PRE-GAME HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL NOTES
WHO: Rio Mesa (0-0) at San Marcos (0-1)
WHEN & WHERE: Friday, 7 p.m., at San Marcos’ Warkentin Stadium
NOTES: Having a game under their belts will certainly be an advantage for the Royals, who played some inspired football for first-year coach Anthony Linebaugh and stayed close with Cabrillo for three quarters in last week?s 27-14 loss. Junior quarterback Wesley Ghan-Gibson showed good leadership and the ability to move the team. Royals, however, need to someone to step up at running back. Rio Mesa is young, but has lots of speed. The Spartans are led by senior quarterback Kado Brown and senior running back Martel Tyler. The pick: Rio Mesa
WHO: Santa Barbara (1-0) at Beverly Hills (0-0)
WHEN & WHERE: Friday, 7 p.m., at Beverly Hills High School
NOTES: The Dons will be looking to open holes in the line so running back Cheroke Cunningham can rip off some big gainers. He was held under 30 yards by an aggressive St. Joseph defense last Friday. Quarterback Shawn Ramos completed some clutch passes and proved he can be effective running ball in the thrilling 25-22 season-opening win. Beverly Hills is big up front, led by 6-1, 300-pound tackle Cameron Paysinger. The pick: Santa Barbara
WHO: South Torrance (0-0) at Carpinteria (0-1)
WHEN & WHERE: Friday, 7:30 p.m., at Carpinteria Valley Memorial Stadium
NOTES: Behind junior quarterback Ian Craddock, the Warriors showed they can put points on the board in a 49-42 loss to Templeton. You can be sure defense was a point of emphasis this week in practice. Friday?s game features teams from the same CIF playoff division. Like Carpinteria, South boasts some players who look primed for a breakout year. Among them are quarterback Kyle Nesbit, running back Brandon Chavez and linebacker James Hapgood. The pick: Carpinteria
WHO: Dos Pueblos (1-0) at San Luis Obispo (0-1)
WHERE & WHEN: Friday, 7:30?p.m., at San Luis Obispo
NOTES: The Chargers? defense was as good as advertised in a 12-0 shutout of Santa Ynez. San Luis Obispo will offer a bigger challenge. The Tigers have a mobile quarterback in Garrett Giovannelli. He led the team to a 20-0 lead over Bakersfield Garces before things fell apart and the Tigers lost 21-20. DP will be looking to get better production from its offense. Expect Nolan Soto and LeShon Bell to share time again at quarterback. The pick: Dos Pueblos
WHO: Santa Ynez (0-1) vs. Bishop Diego (1-0)
WHERE & WHEN: Saturday, 7 p.m., at SBCC’s La Playa Stadium
NOTES: After scoring 54 against Santa Maria, the Cardinals figure to get a tougher test against a Pirate team that limited Dos Pueblos to one touchdown last Friday. The pick: Bishop Diego
