Out of the frying pan, into the fire. That’s what it’s like for the San Marcos football team heading into Channel League play.
The Royals (1-4) had four losses in the preseason against teams with a combined record of 15-5 and it doesn’t get any easier on Friday as they host St. Bonaventure, No. 13 in the LA Times’ poll of all Southern California schools.
The Seraphs (4-1) are coming off their first loss of the season, a 24-23 setback to Bishop Amat, in the last game of a tough preseason schedule. The Royals, losers of three straight, have been struggling on offense, only scoring seven points total in their final two preseason games. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m at Valley Stadium.
Bishop Diego (0-5) also has its hands full in its Tri-Valley League opener, having to travel to Oaks Christian (5-0), No. 2 in the same poll. The Lions are considered by many to be one of the top high school teams in the country.
Carpinteria (0-5) is coming off a bye week to face 1-4 Oak Park in another TVL matchup. The Warriors host Oaks Christian the following week. Both games will start at 7:30 p.m. at Carpinteria.
Dos Pueblos and Santa Barbara open up league play on the road in Ventura. DP (2-3) takes on Buena (4-1) and the Dons (0-5) are at Ventura (2-3). After St. Bonaventure, the Bulldogs have established themselves as the team to beat for second place in the Channel League with preseason wins over Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Pacifica and Canyon. All Channel League games have 7 p.m. starts.
