Bishop Diego carries a 1-3 record going into Friday night’s Homecoming game against St. Genevieve. In all three losses, the Cardinals have been close, falling short by nine points or less.
One less mistake here, one fewer turnover there and the Cardinals could be 4-0.
“It seems each of our close losses this year could have been different if we corrected those mistake,” said Bishop Diego coach Tom Crawford, sounding the refrain of every football coach.
But it’s not just mistakes that have hurt the Cardinals. They’ve been hit hard by injuries. The latest blow was an ankle injury to workhorse running back Brandon Gonzalez in last week’s 34-29 loss at undefeated Fillmore.
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Crawford said Gonzalez’ playing status will be a game-time decision. If he can’t go, Jesus Valle and Jack Gregson will step into the tailback spot. Flanker Paul Garcia also can play the position.
Crawford noted that Valle, a senior, did a commendable job against Fillmore. On the sophomore Gregson, “I think he’s going to surprise some folks,” said the coach.
“We’re a little banged up across the board after a physical contest with Fillmore last Friday and I am concerned about depth particularly since St. Genevieve has 48 guys on their roster and appear to platoon,” Crawford said. “That being said, the outcome will come down to our ability to avoid mistakes and turnovers.”
St. Genevieve (4-1) vs. Bishop Diego (1-3), at SBCC: The Cardinals are banged up but it’s their homecoming, so they figure to be extra motivated to get a win. They will have their hands full as St. Genevieve has a solid squad, led by mobile quarterback Mark Chin and bruising running back Alex Vidal. Chin rushed for 73 yards and two touchdowns last week in a 34-30 win over L.A. Baptist. “They rely on their QBs feet a lot and we must be able to contain the QB to have success,” said Crawford. The Verdict: Despite all the injuries on his squad, Crawford will have his team prepared and motivated. If the Cardinals cut down on the miscues and quarterback Nolan Tisdale continues to improve, it will be a happy homecoming night.
Dos Pueblos (3-2) at Canyon Country Canyon (4-0): The question here is what new wrinkle will the Chargers unveil this week. In last week’s win over Rio Mesa, it was a halfback-option pass in which Joshua Bartley threw for a touchdown. He has as many TD tosses as quarterback Michael Spiritosanto, The DP defense is playing well, but it will face a challenge in trying to contain Canyon quarterback Jonathan Jerozal (69 of 106 passes for 1,021 yards and nine touchdowns) and running back Darius Rudolph, who’s rushed for 171 and 175 yards in his last two games against Camarillo and Beverly Hills. DP coach Jeff Uyesaka said Canyons is similar to state powerhouse De La Salle: what they lack in size they make up for in execution and discipline. The Verdict: The Chargers slowed Rio Mesa’s fleet-footed skill players by forcing turnovers. Canyons has not faced a defense as fast and ferocious as DP’s. Dos Pueblos 24, Canyons 13.
Grace Brethren (3-1) at Carpinteria (3-1). This is a matchup of two league title contenders with good quarterbacks. Carpinteria’s Paul “Munchie” Aguilar recovered from a concussion and rushed for 215 yards in an emotional win at Santa Clara. Grace Brethren, the favorite to win the Frontier League, is led by senior QB Max Leffler, who has led the team to three straight wins. The team is averaging 46.7 points in those games and Leffler has thrown six touchdown passes. The Verdict: It’s going to be an emotional night at Memorial Stadium as the Warriors play their first home game since the death of John Ward, the school’s athletic director, basketball coach and math teacher. Carpinteria 35, Grace Brethren 30.
Santa Barbara (1-4) at Pacifica (1-3). The Tritons gave up 547 total yards and 362 passing yards against Buena in a 56-0 loss. That should excite Dons’ sophomore quarterback Shawn Ramos. The Verdict: Ramos and wide receiver Emilio Gonzalez should have big nights. If the Dons play with discipline, they should win their second game of the season. Santa Barbara 28, Pacifica 21.
Nordhoff (5-0) at San Marcos (1-4). After getting steamrolled by Oxnard, the Royals face another tough opponent. The Rangers have already knocked off two Channel League teams, Ventura and Santa Barbara. They are experienced and explosive, having scored 214 points. San Marcos will need to hold on to the ball to stay in the game. The Verdict: The Rangers are at a homecoming and will spoil the party. Nordhoff 45, San Marcos 14.
Go DP!