One team is on a roll while the other has its back to the wall.
That’s how tonight’s Bishop Diego-Carpinteria football game shapes up at Carpinteria Valley Memorial Stadium. Bishop Diego comes in with a No. 4 ranking in the CIF Northern Division, an 8-0 overall record and a 1-0 mark in the Tri Valley League. Carpinteria is 4-4, 0-1 and in need of a league win to stay in the playoff hunt.
“Obviously, a playoff-like atmosphere since our league is so small that every game has implications for going to the playoffs,” Bishop Diego coach Tom Crawford said of Thursday night’s 7:30 battle.
Bishop Diego started league on a good note, shutting down Fillmore, 23-6. Carpinteria, meanwhile, suffered a 30-0 defeat against two-time defending CIF champion Nordhoff.
The loss creates a greater sense of urgency for Carpinteria, which has been shut out in its last two games.
Despite the setbacks, Crawford knows coach Ben Hallock will have his Warriors at the top of their game.
“Their kids are always so well coached by Ben and his staff that you know they will be prepared, and you also have to expect some twist or scheme you haven’t seen before,” Crawford said. “So, the ability of our kids to adjust during the game is always a key.”
The Channel League is playing its games on Halloween night. In a game that has playoff implications, San Marcos (3-5, 1-1) hosts Buena (3-5, 2-0) at Warkentin Stadium. Dos Pueblos (1-8, 0-3) plays its season finale at Ventura (7-1, 2-0).
Buena (3-5, 2-0) at San Marcos (3-5, 1-1): The Royals are flying high after beating Dos Pueblos for their first league win in five years. They will need to bring the same energy they had against the Chargers. Buena capitalized on seven Santa Barbara fumbles and hung on to beat the Dons.
Dos Pueblos (1-8, 0-3) at Ventura (7-1, 2-0): The Chargers hope they can end their season on a high note.
