A look at Friday night’s Week Zero high school football games:
Channel Islands at Santa Barbara: The Dons are going with a youth movement as coach Jaime Melgoza is expected to start as many as 10 sophomores. One of those varsity rookies is quarterback Shawn Ramos. … Channel Islands also has an inexperienced QB in Malcolm Allen. But the Raiders do have some solid players in running back Ty Camarillo and tight end Jeremiah Valoaga. The verdict: The Dons are too green. Channel Islands 14-7.
Cabrillo at San Marcos: Expect running back Jon Kim to get a lot of carries as the inexperienced Royals look to grow and gain confidence with each game. Senior Joe Rivera will start at quarterback. … Cabrillo also is expected to favor the running game with returning fullback T.J. Babauta and speedster Jordan Watson taking handoffs from junior quarterback Jeff Aldridge. The verdict: Both teams are works in progress. Cabrillo’s speed figures to be the difference maker. Cabrillo 21, San Marcos 7.
Righetti at Dos Pueblos: The Chargers have a new system with the talented Michael Spiritosanto running a spread offense similar to what Florida did with quarterback Tim Tebow. DP has more size on the line, which is a plus for any offense. … Righetti favors a power running game with Dylan Jones as the featured back. Quarterback Uso Taua is also a running threat. The verdict: Spiritosanto’s athleticism and leadership, and a stronger defense give DP the edge. Dos Pueblos 21, Righetti 14.
