The celebration of winning was fun, but what lied ahead on the schedule for the Dos Pueblos football brought it back to Earth real quick.
After beating Cabrillo for its first victory, the Chargers head to perennial powerhouse Lompoc for a Friday night non-league game. The Braves, who have won two CIF titles in the last three years and are ranked No. 3 in the Western Division, have a punishing running attack and a ferocious defense, led by 6-foot, 280-pound All-CIF linebacker Ainuu Taua.
The game marks the return of DP coach Nate Mendoza to his alma mater. He’ll be coaching against his best friend, Andrew Jones. Jones’ Braves won the first meeting between friends last year.
Mendoza changed things up on offense last week, replacing Leshon Bell at quarterback with Barrett Burnes. Burnes played a solid game in a 31-21 win over Cabrillo. Bell moved to wide receiver, where he became an immediate threat.
Here’s a look at Friday’s games.
Rio Mesa (0-2) at Santa Barbara (1-2), 7 p.m. — The Dons are trying to open things up for talented running back Cheroke Cunningham. The offensive line is paying its dues going up against some bigger opponents, but it’s starting to come around. Rio Mesa plays its third straight Channel League team; the Spartans lost to San Marcos and Ventura. The pick: Santa Barbara.
Hueneme (0-3) at San Marcos (3-0), 7 p.m. — The way the Royals’ offense is operating these days, it should be able to put up some big numbers against a Hueneme team that has given up 137 points. The Royals have not won four games since 2009, and one of the wins that year was by a forfeit. The pick: San Marcos.
Santa Ynez (1-2) at Carpinteria (3-0), 7:30 p.m. — This is one of the oldest rivalries in the county, going back to the 1930s. Carpinteria’s offense is lighting up the scoreboard. That doesn’t bode well for a Santa Ynez team that gave up 35 points to Paso Robles and 49 to Bishop Diego. The pick: Carpinteria.
Dos Pueblos (1-2) at Lompoc (2-1), 7 p.m. — The Chargers face a Lompoc team that averages nearly 200 yards rushing. And, that was before standout running back Austin Hayes returned to the team from an injury. DP’s offense was able to finish drives last week. Running back Tyler Welch was the catalyst, rushing for 244 yards and three scores. DP will have its hands full trying to slow down the Braves’ running attack and keep Taua out of its backfield. The pick: Lompoc
