St. Francis changes things up

To say the Golden Knights’ league opener the following week on Halloween night is a tall task would be an understatement. St. Francis opens up against defending league co-champion and defending CIF Western Division titlist St. Paul on the road.

“Going that way is never fun on a Friday,” Bonds said.

The trip down the 605 freeway is just the start, though, as the Golden Knights’ 2005 home win against St. Paul is the only time St. Francis has defeated the Swordsmen since 1961.

Nonetheless, as the league schedule works, during seasons in which St. Francis travels to face St. Paul, it also hosts two of its three league contests.

“The years we’ve got two at home, we’re happy,” Bonds said.

St. Francis follows the St. Paul contest with a game against last year’s other co-league champ, Alemany, which is coached by Bonds’ longtime friend, Dean Herrington, and has been a team followed by big expectations all summer long.

The Golden Knights close out the regular season on Nov. 14 at home against Chaminade.