San Marcos’ football team is looking for its first win over Dos Pueblos since 2009.
After suffer two straight losses, San Marcos faces a Dos Pueblos football team that has come together and is playing with confidence.
But there?s nothing like a crosstown rivalry to reinvigorate a team.
?The team has responded well through our practice and preparation this week,? San Marcos coach Anthony Linebaugh said when asked about the team?s spirit after losses to Nordhoff and Ventura.
He said the Royals learned the importance of playing hard-nosed football for all 48 minutes.
?I feel as though our last two games were very valuable in showing the team the type of physical play needed to be successful at this point of the season.?
San Marcos will be up against a DP team that plays physical. Last week, the Charger defense contained Santa Barbara?s potent attack behind play of linebackers David Blevins, Daniel Buratto and Ryan Nuno. Cornerback Leshon Bell showed that he?s a big hitter and ends Eric Botello and Austen Pearce were a handful on the outside.
San Marcos hurt itself with four turnovers in last week?s home loss to Ventura.
?We need to execute and protect the football. Channel League games are too difficult to win when a team makes unforced errors,? said Linebaugh.
In other action Friday night, Santa Barbara hosts Buena in the Channel League and Bishop Diego travels to Santa Paula for a Tri-Valley League clash. Carpinteria has a bye.
San Marcos (5-2, 0-1) at Dos Pueblos (3-4, 1-0), 7 p.m. ? The Royals need to get running back Esteban Alfaro going in order to take some pressure off quarterback Wesley Ghan-Gibson. Their defense will have its hands full against a healthy DP running back Tyler Welch, the versatile Leshon Bell and efficient quarterback Barrett Burnes. A DP win gives it the City Championship. The pick: Dos Pueblos
Buena (3-3, 0-0) at Santa Barbara (3-4, 0-1). 7 p.m. ? The Dons got punched in the nose early in the game against Dos Pueblos and never recovered. A good start against an improved Bulldogs team is vital. Buena comes into the game on a three-game winning streak. It is led by running back Noah Martinez (625 yards on 110 carries) and quarterback Martin Mijaries (778 passing yards and seven TDs). When it doesn?t hurt itself with penalties, Santa Barbara?s up-tempo offense is difficult to defend. The pick: Santa Barbara.
Bishop Diego (6-0, 1-0) at Santa Paula (5-2, 0-1), 7:30 p.m. ? Just another top-10 opponent for the top-ranked team in the CIF Northwest Division. Bishop is coming off a rivalry-game victory over fourth-ranked Carpinteria in which its defense shined against an option attack. It faces a run-oriented Santa Paula team, led by junior running back Noah Magana. Sixth-ranked Santa Paula hung tough with No. 3 Oak Park before falling 35-17 last week in the rugged Tri-Valley League. Bishop Diego?s defense has allowed only 25 points this season. The pick: Bishop Diego.
