The combined record of DP’s last three opponents before league is 13-1.
Dos Pueblos football coach Nate Mendoza had a gleam in his eye when he announced Monday that “league starts next week.”
If there’s anyone who can’t wait for league play to start, it’s Mendoza. His preleague schedule has been brutally tough. On Thursday night, his Chargers travel to play unbeaten Sierra Canyon in their final game before Channel League. It’s their fourth undefeated, CIF-ranked opponent, following Pacifica, Newbury Park and Lompoc.
Sierra Canyon, a private school in Chatsworth, is 4-0 and ranked second in the CIF Mid-Valley Division. The Trailblazers have several playmakers, led by quarterback Niko Harris (57 of 86 passes for 996 yards and eight touchdowns). They average nearly 40 points game.
The defense is tenacious, led by linebacker Christian Hernandez and lineman Hunter Mattox. The unit has recorded 15 sacks.
Dos Pueblos is coming off a 45-7 loss against Lompoc. But Mendoza said his team did some good things in the game. Senior quarterback Barrett Burnes returned to the huddle after being sidelined for three games to recover from a concussion and moved the team. Tight end/defensive end Austen Pearce also returned from injury and caught a touchdown pass.
San Marcos and Santa Barbara also face tough opponents in the pre-league finales. The Royals host two-time defending CIF champion Nordhoff on Thursday night, while Santa Barbara travels to unbeaten Pacifica in Oxnard on Friday night.
In other non-league action on Friday, Bishop Diego plays at Mission Prep in San Luis Obispo, and Carpinteria is home against St. Monica.
Nordhoff (3-2) at San Marcos (1-4): The Royals catch the Rangers a little dinged up. They played without their starting quarterback and two running backs in a loss to Paso Robles. San Marcos looks to build momentum before next week’s league opener.
FRIDAY
Santa Barbara (3-2) at Pacifica (5-0): The Dons, who were ranked ninth in this week’s CIF Western Division poll, hope the offense continues to produce after last week’s 35-28 win over Royal. They’ll need it against a high-scoring Pacifica team, which is led by 6-2, 295-pound quarterback Adan Salas (47-89 for 929 yards and 10 TDs) and wide receiver D’Ondre Vines (25 catches for 602 yards and 8 TDs). The Tritons are ranked third in the Western Division.St. Monica (3-2) at Carpinteria (2-2): The Warriors moved the ball against a strong South Torrance team last week but they were done in by turnovers. St. Monica is coming off a rivalry win against St. Bernard. The Mariners are a running team, led by Jason Thomas (118-yard average).
Bishop Diego (4-0) at Mission Prep (3-2): The Cardinals are anxious to get back on the field after a bye week. They face a Mission Prep squad that relies on running back Dyllan Smiley (645 yards and six TDs). He rushed for 296 yards in a 28-27 win over Rio Hondo Prep and was held to 89 last week in a 30-13 loss against Linfield Christian.
