Semifinal playoff picks

Unity (11-1) at Stillman Valley (12-0), 2 p.m. Saturday.

Last meeting: Stillman Valley def. Unity, 52-22 (Nov. 27, 2009).

This is not a great matchup for the Rockets.  Unity has made strides since last year's game against the Cardinals, but so have they. Stillman Valley hasn't been threatened all season and hammered a really good Aurora Christian team from the Suburban Christian Conference last week. The Cardinals are averaging nearly 44 points per game and with a dominant offensive line, they haven't met a team they couldn't overpower. Unity's defense is a lot better than last year. The Rockets have made schematic changes with a team like Stillman Valley in mind. Unity is stiffer up front, and the Rockets are shutting down running teams that would have put together decent games against them last year. It's just, Unity hasn't seen anything like the Valley. Stillman is so big and strong. The Cardinals are a well-coached, mistake-free unit that has leveled 12 straight teams. Unity hasn't seen anything like them since last year's loss.

Someway, somehow, the Rockets need to force turnovers to stay in this game. Stillman Valley is going to move the ball and its going to score. The Cardinals might not score 52 like last year, but don't expect a Unity shutout. If the Rockets can keep Stillman Valley to one score per quarter, and force a turnover here and there they really should have a chance. Unity's offense hasn't scored like it did last fall even though this team has more versatility than last year's unit. The Rockets can spread the field and have four established runners to move the ball. They should be able to score. It will be up to the Rockets' defense to decide if their scores will be enough. That's a tough task against anyone as good as Stillman Valley.

Stillman Valley 34, Unity 21.