Dos Pueblos racked up 41 points in its first win of the season last week and will likely need more of the same on Friday if it wants to get past a visiting Lompoc squad. The Braves come to Scott O’Leary Stadium averaging 46 points in their past two games – both wins.
The Chargers have been finding a rhythm on offense themselves, however, increasing their scoring output from 3 in the season opener to 20 in a tight loss at San Luis Obispo, then 41 against Cabrillo last week.
Dos Pueblos is the only local team with a home game on Friday, kicking off at 7 p.m. in Scott O’Leary Stadium. Bishop Diego also has a home game this week but plays on Saturday at La Playa Stadium. Kickoff for that game is 7:30 p.m.
Lompoc (2-1) at Dos Pueblos (1-2): Dos Pueblos is back home after breaking out for a 41-16 thumping at Cabrillo last week. Lompoc travels to the South Coast for the second straight week. The Chargers must contain Braves quarterback Evan Aguilar, who rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns last week. Marcel Blow added 110 yards to Lompoc’s rushing attack from the backfield. In total, Lompoc amassed 366 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. Dos Pueblos can counter with Josh Bartley, who ran back an 85-yard kick return last week to go with two rushing scores. The Verdict: Dos Pueblos puts it together at home and wins thanks to points from its defense – Dos Pueblos 33, Lompoc 24
Carpinteria (1-1) at Santa Ynez (1-1): Jeffrey Moorhouse will get the start this Friday for the Warriors, who defeated Nipomo 27-12 last week for their first win of the season. Moorhouse, the backup quarterback, replaced a concussed Paul Aguilar in the second quarter and threw a 40-yard touchdown completion and ran in another score. The Pirates were beaten down 32-13 by Paso Robles last week, but defeated Bishop Diego 25-16 in their opener. Jr. Alejandre is a player to watch, having scored three touchdowns in Santa Ynez’s first two games. The Verdict: Santa Ynez has the edge at home – Santa Ynez 21, Carpinteria 20
San Marcos (0-3) at Hueneme (1-2): Hueneme is coming off a 69-7 blowout loss to Nordhoff, but won the week before 28-24 over Santa Clara. The Royals have been struggling to score points this season. Their only touchdown in three games came on a kick-off return. The possible return of quarterback Joe Rivera could help. Rivera did not play last week after getting knocked out of the previous game in the fourth quarter. The Verdict: San Marcos isn’t clicking yet on either side of the ball – Hueneme 21-16
Santa Barbara (1-2) at Rio Mesa (1-1): If anything, by the time Rio Mesa begins Pacific View League play, its preseason schedule could be a good indicator of how the Channel League might shake out. The Spartans play all five Channel League schools this season, having already beaten San Marcos 17-0 and lost to Ventura 55-41. Quarterback Blair Benchwick recorded a 300-yard passing game with three touchdowns againt the Cougars. Tanner Wrought was another force to be reckoned with, finding the endzone four times. The Verdict: Rio Mesa has too much firepower for the Dons to keep up with – Rio Mesa 27, Santa Barbara 14
Santa Paula (1-1) at Bishop Diego (1-1): This game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at La Playa Stadium. Bishop comes into the contest on the high note following its first win of the season while Santa Paula dropped a tough 42-35 decision to Pacifica. Santa Paula was a playoff team a year ago, and has the talent to get there again behind quarterback Kameron Klein and running back Esteban Magana, who already has five touchdowns. Brandon Gonzalez has been a force on the ground for the Bishop Diego Cardinals, while quarterback Nolan Tisdale and Vince Figueroa have hooked up for touchdown completions in each of the first two games. The Verdict: Bishop Diego is starting to put it together – Bishop 28, Santa Paula 27
