The schedule makers did a good job at setting up challenging games for their football teams just before the start of league play.
“I can’t say it was a ‘master’ plan to have such a tough challenge just before league, but in the big picture we certainly hoped to give ourselves a non-league schedule that would prepare us for what will be one of the most competitive leagues I have seen,” said Tom Crawford, coach of undefeated and top-ranked Bishop Diego.
The Cardinals play in the Tri-Valley League, which this year is a high school version of the SEC — five teams are ranked in the top 10, including the top four in the Northwest Division poll.
Bishop plays at San Diego Section small schools power Santa Fe Christian in its final pre-league tune-up on Saturday afternoon.
Also facing tough tune-ups are San Marcos and Dos Pueblos.
San Marcos, off to its best start in years at 5-0, travels Friday to Ojai to face defending CIF Northwest champion and undefeated Nordhoff. The Rangers beat the Royals 55-7 last year.
“It would be an understatement to say it is a big game,” San Marcos coach Anthony Linebaugh said. “Nordhoff is an established program which has enjoyed tremendous success. We are a program which is working to forge a path to become established as well.”
Dos Pueblos plays host to San Juan Hills of San Juan Capistrano. The Stallions, coached by DP alum Aaron Flowers, come to Goleta with a 4-1 record. They’re a big, physical and balanced team.
In other action, Santa Barbara celebrates Homecoming and plays its final pre-league tune-up against Pacifica; Carpinteria goes on the road to play St. Monica at St. Bernard’s High in Playa del Rey.
On Saturday, Cate heads to Hope Ranch to face rival Laguna Blanca in a battle of CIF top-10 eight-man teams. Both are 3-1 and 1-0 in the Condor League. Kickoff is 3 p.m.
Pacifica (1-3) at Santa Barbara (2-3), 7 p.m. — If the Dons take care of the football, they can be a dangerous team. They’ll look to rebound from a loss at Centennial of Bakersfield, where they fumbled four times. Pacifica has a talented running back in Kevin Davis. The Tritons have struggled on defense, allowing 149 points. The pick: Santa Barbara
San Juan Hills (4-1) at Dos Pueblos (2-3), 7 p.m. — The Chargers have improved each week; they are coming off their best game, a 28-0 win at Rio Mesa. This week they face a balanced San Juan Hills team that is coming off a tough 28-21 loss to Fullerton. The Stallions average 199 yards passing and 206 running, so it will be a challenge for DP’s defense. The pick: San Juan Hills.
Carpinteria (5-0) at St. Monica (2-3), at St. Bernard’s, 7:30 — With the TVL opener against Bishop Diego looming next week, the Warriors would like to playing at peak form. The Mariners have some athletic players but the team has struggled against better programs, losing against teams like Village Christian, Mission Prep and Mary Star. Carpinteria is playing well on both sides of the ball. The pick: Carpinteria.
San Marcos (5-0) at Nordhoff (4-0), 7 p.m. — Last week’s 38-33 comeback win over Channel Islands was a wake-up call for the Royals. “In order for us to be successful, we cannot beat ourselves with unforced errors via penalties. Also, ball security will be critical,” coach Linebaugh said. “Our offensive line must play together and the defensive line must play their most physical game of the season in order to battle the power game of Nordhoff.” The Rangers returning several key players off last year’s CIF championship team, including quarterback Tanner Workman (11 TD passes, no interceptions) and running backs Tayler Livingston and Matt Woodcock. San Marcos is playing well and should keep it close. The pick: Nordhoff
Saturday
Bishop Diego (4-0) at Santa Fe Christian (3-2), Solana Beach, 2 p.m. — Santa Fe Christian’s losses have come against big public school programs, La Costa Canyon and Carlsbad. “… just like last year, their 3-2 record going into our game is deceiving,” said Bishop coach Tom Crawford. He noted SFC has a bruising fullback, Tony Miro, who is averaging 7-plus yards per carry. The Eagles also swarm to the ball on defense. “We have to be prepared to play a tough four-quarter game. It is SFC’s homecoming so there will be some additional excitement and intensity, I am sure. Should be a good game,” said Crawford. Bishop has been dominating opponents and putting them away before the fourth quarter. Players like Danny Molina, Mitch Oleson and Mario Martinez have stepped up and gotten the job done in back-up roles. The Cardinals have improved their kicking game. Santiago Bollag had a 42-yard field goal and six PATs last week. That will come in handy in a game like this. The pick: Bishop Diego.
