Carpinteria will be playing football with heavy hearts on Friday when it travels to Oxnard to face Santa Clara at Hueneme High.
“Our guys are grieving over the very sudden loss of Coach Ward,” football coach Ben Hallock said.
Carpinteria Athletic Director and boys basketball coach John Ward died Wednesday after a battle with colon cancer. He was 55. The school has been in mourning since the news broke that afternoon.
(The guys) have been determined and committed to honor Coach, his family and his memory through positive action,” Hallock said. “We weep, we hug and console. We hope to show how much we care by what we do and by what we will do.”
Hallock said the plan is have the players wear a sticker with the initials “JW” on their helmets and wear black wristbands. The coaches will wear a black ribbon across their ties.
Carpinteria (2-1) vs. Santa Clara (1-2): at Hueneme High: The Warriors get quarterback Paul “Munchie” Aguilar back after he sat out last week’s Santa Ynez win while recovering from a concussion. “Paul looks like he will be able to play,” coach Hallock said. “He has passed every check this week and looks ready to play.” If he can’t go, the Warriors are just fine with backup Jeff Moorhouse. He led them to a 24-14 win at Santa Ynez. Santa Clara has vastly improved from Week 1 under first-year coach and alum Tim Gutierrez, who used to be the offensive coordinator at powerhouse St. Bonaventure. The Saints beat Littlerock 17-14 last week. Quarterback Scott Koen carries the offensive load. The Verdict: The Warriors can’t allow their emotions to get out of control. If they maintain their focus, they should take care of business. Carpinteria 35-14.
Nordhoff (4-0) at Santa Barbara (1-3): A rare meeting between these two schools. The Dons have been hit hard with injuries to key players. Fullback-linebacker and team captain Beto Lopez is out with a shoulder injury as is tight end and linebacker Caleb Ballesteros; wide receiver/defensive back Aaron Richardson also is out. Nevertheless, the Dons’ spirit is up, says coach Jaime Melgoza. It’s homecoming. “We understand we can have success if we play with discipline. (After four games) our young players have to understand they are no longer young players out there. We need to develop into a mature team. Nordhoff has been pounding opponents; the Rangers are averaging 42.5 points per game. Quarterback Jake Logsdon has thrown for 12 touchdowns. His favorite receiver is Sean Bettles with 22 catches for 287 yards and five touchdowns. The offense owes a lot of gratitude to the defense, which has recovered a whopping16 fumbles. The Verdict: Nordhoff, which has already knocked off Channel League school Ventura, has too much talent and experience. Nordhoff 31, Santa Barbara 7.
[ad#468×60 Story Embed – Slot One]
Bishop Diego (1-2) at Fillmore (4-0): After losing a two-point heartbreaker to Santa Paula, the Cardinals travel to the other school on Hwy. 126. “For us, the challenge continues to be to improve and control the things we can control, starting with eliminating the mistakes — penalties and turnovers — which have hurt us each game,” said Bishop coach Tom Crawford. They’ll have to cut down on the miscues if they want to stay in the ballgame with a solid Fillmore team. The Flashes can rack up points in a hurry with their great speed; they are averaging 41 points per game. “They are very fast and physical on tape and pose a real challenge to teams with their speed, particularly on the line of scrimmage,” Crawford said. “As an example, their tailback is also their quick defensive end and their tight end plays defensive tackle.” Collin Farrar and Nick Paz lead the rushing attack. The Verdict. Bishop has knocked off one unbeaten team this year (Mission Prep) on the road. Expect the Cardinals’ defense to rise to the occasion and trip up the Flashes. Bishop Diego 21, Fillmore 17.
San Marcos (1-3) at Oxnard (2-1): The Royals are feeling good about themselves after posting their first win at Hueneme last week. Unfortunately for them, this week’s opponent is a much better team. “Oxnard is a good, physical team, so we know we’re in for a tough game,” says San Marcos coach Jeff Hesselmeyer. The Yellowjackets have 10 starters back from a CIF playoff team, including crafty quarterback Billy Ceja and running back Terrell Watson (703 yards rushing, 9 catches for 141 yards receiving). Oxnard’s only loss was to Westlake, which is one of the top teams in the state. Hesselmeyer said quarterbacks Andrew Griffin and Joe Rivera are both healthy and ready to go. It’s at other positions where he won’t know who’s ready until game time. The Verdict: The Royals will have their hands full trying to stop the surge of a bigger, more experienced Oxnard offensive line and containing its veteran playmakers. Oxnard 38, San Marcos 12.
[ad#468×60 Story Embed – Slot One]
Rio Mesa (2-1) at Dos Pueblos (2-2): The Chargers’ offense is rounding into form (they scored their first passing touchdown last week) and their defense continues to play solid. The defense will be tested by some skilled, experienced Rio Mesa ballhandlers. Quarterback Blair Benchwick has passed for 693 yards and nine touchdowns. He has two speedy receivers in DeAndre Hutchins (11 catches, 158 yards, 3 TDs) and Marcus Alford (10-196, 2 TDs). Jordan Nunnery runs with power and Tanner Wrout is a speedster in the Spartans’ backfield. The Verdict: After its convincing win over Lompoc last week, Dos Pueblos is looking like a force to be reckoned with for the rest of the season. Dos Pueblos 35, Rio Mesa 20.
