The timing couldn’t have been better for the Dos Pueblos High football team.
A bye week after a humbling 36-3 loss to perennial power Canyon allowed injured quarterback Michael Spiritosanto to heal up in time for the Chargers’ Channel League opener against Buena on Friday night at Scott O’Leary Stadium.
Spiritosanto got upended and landed on his head against Canyon. He was replaced in the second half.
“We just made a decision to pull him and save him for Buena in two weeks,” DP coach Jeff Uyesaka said after the Canyon game.
The athletic Spiritosanto is the main cog in DP’s spread offense. With him running the attack, the Chargers average more than 30 points a game.
With St. Bonaventure moving to the Marmonte League, leaving the Channel League with five schools, this game has league title implications.
Dos Pueblos wants to start league play on a winning note while Buena faces a must-win situation after dropping its league opener to crosstown rival Ventura last week, 28-21.
In other action Friday, Ventura visits Santa Barbara in a battle of 1-0 teams in Channel League. Bishop Diego plays host to Santa Clara in a Frontier League battle and Carpinteria travels to Santa Paula for a Tri-Valley League clash.
Buena (3-4, 0-1) at Dos Pueblos (3-3, 0-0) — DP ran up against a disciplined, well-balanced team in its loss at Canyon. Buena is similar. The Bulldogs throw the ball effectively with quarterback Chase Smith, the team’s top receiver who took over the QB job when starter Kendrick Mathis got hurt a couple of weeks ago. Mathis, a run-pass threat, might return this week as a running back, where he excelled last season. Whoever runs the offense, he’ll be up against an aggressive, fast DP defense. The Verdict: The Chargers are rested and fired up for the league opener and Homecoming, and Spiritosanto’s return can only lift their spirits higher. Buena is in a regrouping mode after a tough loss to Ventura. Dos Pueblos 35, Buena 20.
Ventura (4-3, 1-0) at Santa Barbara (2-5, 1-0) — The Dons will have their hands full going against one of the most experienced offenses in the league. Ventura has a veteran offensive line which has dominated some teams this year. The Cougars this season have had games where they scored 49, 55 and 61 points. When senior quarterback Keihan Gibbs went out with a concussion last week against Buena, backup Rodney Stanley was able to get things done behind the big line. Stanley threw for two touchdowns and completed 12 of 18 passes in the 28-21 win. Conner Armstrong (199 carries for 1,232 yards) leads the running game. The Verdict: Santa Barbara needs to be opportunistic to keep the game close. Ventura 42, Santa Barbara 7.
Santa Clara (1-5, 0-1) vs. Bishop Diego (3-3, 1-0) at SBCC — The Cardinals, coming off a 50-point performance the week before, learned a lesson about keeping their egos in check last week when Malibu took the opening kickoff and drove down the field for a touchdown. They immediately got serious and pulled away to a 47-14 win. Santa Clara is led by quarterback Scott Koen. He does it all for the Saints, who are coached by former St. Bonaventure offensive coordinator Tim Gutierrez. The Saints have struggled on defense, allowing an average of 30 points in their last three games. The Verdict: If Bishop stays focused, and the offensive line keeps opening holes for running backs Brandon Gonzalez and Jack Gregson, it should continue rolling toward a showdown with Grace Brethren. Bishop Diego 44, Santa Clara 14.
Carpinteria (5-1, 1-0) at Santa Paula (3-3, 0-1) — The Warriors take a five-game winning streak to Santa Paula, which is coming off heartbreaking 24-23 loss to Oak Park in its Tri-Valley League opener. The Cardinals rely on quarterback Kameron Klien, a 6-3, 193-pound junior. He’s passed for six touchdowns and run for six. Against Oak Park, he threw for 251 yards. Esteban Magana is the primary running back; he’s rushed for 721 yards on 66 carries and scored seven touchdowns. The Verdict: The Warriors will need another solid defensive game like last week’s against Fillmore. Carpinteria 28, Santa Paula 20.
[ad#468×60 Story Embed – Slot One]
