Week Zero of the CIF football season was a time to celebrate for Santa Barbara High.
The Dons, who had a 12-game on-the-field losing streak, started the new year off right by shutting out Channel Islands, 17-0, at Peabody Stadium.
It was an uplifting performance for Jaime Melgoza’s squad, which starts 10 sophomores.
The Dons hope to keep the momentum going on the road in Week One against Beverly Hills on Friday.
Elsewhere, Dos Pueblos and San Marcos will be looking for their first wins after Week Zero setbacks. The Chargers travel to San Luis Obispo while the Royals are home for the second straight week, facing Rio Mesa.
Bishop Diego and Carpinteria kick off their seasons Friday night with home games: Bishop hosts Santa Ynez at SBCC’s La Playa Stadium while Carpinteria takes on Morro Bay.
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Santa Barbara (1-0) at Beverly Hills (0-0): Sophomore quarterback Shawn Ramos lived up to his coach’s hype and the Dons played inspired football in the opener. The question this week is can the young Dons come down from the high of winning, refocus, keep improving and play composed on the road. They’ll face an experienced Beverly Hills squad, led by senior quarterback Josh Newman on offense and end Greg Townsend, Jr., on defense. Townsend, a four-year starter and a heavily recruited player, is the son of former Oakland Raiders star defensive end Greg Townsend. The Dons came close to winning last year, falling 17-15 at home. The verdict: For a young team, playing on the road for the first time could be a little unsettling. That, and Beverly Hills’ experience will make it tough for Santa Barbara. Beverly Hills 21, Santa Barbara 14.
Santa Ynez (0-0) at Bishop Diego (0-0) (at SBCC La Playa Stadium): This is a marquee season-opening game as it pits teams ranked in the CIF polls: Santa Ynez is No. 3 in the Northwest Division and Bishop is ninth in the East Valley Division. The host Cardinals have several returning starters, including the indefatigable Brandon Gonzalez at running back. Nolan Tisdale and Andrew Saucier may share duties at quarterback. Who takes the first snap will be a game-time decision. Vince Figueroa and Bruce Garcia lead a hard-hitting defense. Santa Ynez will be solid defensively as it returns most of its lineup from a CIF playoff team. The Pirates’ offense, meanwhile, will need some time to come around as they break in a new quarterback. The verdict: Bishop veteran players have taken their lumps the past two seasons and are fired up to turn things around. Bishop Diego 17, Santa Ynez 7.
Morro Bay (0-0) at Carpinteria (0-0): The Warriors ended 2009 with two straight wins and are eager to carry that momentum into this season. They have an experienced team with seven returning starters on offense and eight on defense. Senior quarterback Paul “Munchie” Aguilar directs the veer offense behind a line led by senior Wyatt Craddock. Morro Bay has high hopes for 2010 with the return of 6-3, 205-pound quarterback Sam Crizer, who suffered a season-ending collarbone injury last year. The team missed the playoffs for the first time since 2000. Crizer has a big offensive line led by 6-3, 295-pound all-Los Padres League returnee Jon Miller. The verdict: With Aguilar’s experience running the veer, Carpinteria’s trickery will be challenging for Morro Bay to handle in a season opener. Carpinteria 24, Morro Bay 21.
Dos Pueblos (0-1) at San Luis Obispo (0-1): The Chargers will be looking to add a few more wrinkles in their spread offense after a 7-3 loss to a strong Righetti team. Defensively, except for one big pass play, DP was flying all over the field and swarming ball carriers. They’ll face a challenge dealing with San Luis Obispo’s triple-option offense. The Tigers are coming off a heartbreaking 19-15 loss to Kingsburg, in which they gave up an 80-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the game. The verdict: If the Chargers get running back Jason Bartley more carries, it will put more pressure on the defense and spare quarterback Michael Spiritosanto from a taking a constant pounding. The speed of the defense should contain the Tigers. Dos Pueblos 21, San Luis Obispo 7.
Rio Mesa (0-0) at San Marcos (0-1): After facing a potent running attack from Cabrillo in their opener, the Royals’ defense will be up against a more diversified offense from Rio Mesa. The Spartans have an experienced team, led by strong-armed quarterback Blair Benchwick. He has a talented group of wide receivers in Marcus Alford and DeAndre Hutchins and tight end Frank Fassi. The verdict: San Marcos needs to keep a positive attitude, continue to work hard and give Randee Harvey more opportunities to touch the ball. He had an 84-yard kickoff return for a score against Cabrillo. Rio Mesa 28, San Marcos 14.
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