The562’s coverage of football in 2023-24 is sponsored in part by the MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center Foundation and Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Foundation
On Thursday evening, Jordan head coach Jon Nielsen said he was “100 percent” confident his team would earn an at-large berth into the CIF-SS playoffs. Less than three days later, he was proven correct as the Panthers were chosen for the Division 7 bracket.
It’s not the easiest draw for J-Town, however, as they’re hitting the road to take on top-seeded Chino on Nov. 3. The Cowboys are 10-0 this season and champions of the Sierra League.
“We get to play a football game,” said Nielsen in the simplest terms. “They’ve never seen anything like we run, so. All I know is we’re gonna make some noise. So that’s kind of the fun part of it, right?”
Nielsen is hoping to bring the offense on the 40-mile drive out to Chino. The Panthers have put up great numbers this season, and are looking at a Cowboys defense that’s allowed more than 23 points per game on average this season. Only twice has Chino held a team under 21 points this year, which will surely have J-Town licking its chops to light up the scoreboard.
“We’ve got the number one offense in the state, so it creates problems for everybody,” Nielsen said.
Jordan’s last trip to the postseason was in 2021, when the Panthers reached the Division 11 championship game. Chino was in the Division 11 playoffs last season, losing to Bellflower in the second round.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday night at Chino High. The winner would face either Mayfair or Village Christian in the quarterfinals.
CLICK HERE for the entire Division 7 bracket, which also includes Lakewood.
