After playing seven weeks of non-league games, the four remaining teams of the Tri-Valley League begin their three-week schedule this weekend to determine a champion and CIF playoff qualifiers.
The TVL lost Oak Park as a member after the CIF’s releaguing plan was approved. That left the league with Bishop Diego, Carpinteria, Nordhoff and Fillmore to battle it out for the title. All four teams enter league play after fairly successful pre-league season. Bishop Diego had the most success, going 7-0, including wins against three teams from different CIF sections. Fillmore is 6-1, Carpinteria 4-3 and defending champion Nordhoff is 3-4.
This weekend’s openers have Carpinteria hosting Nordhoff on Friday night and Bishop Diego playing Fillmore at SBCC’s La Playa Stadium on Saturday night.
Bishop is coming off a stirring 20-17 overtime win at CIF Central Section power Immanuel of Reedley. Running back Danny Molina scored the winning touchdown. The Cardinals once again have a potent running attack with seniors Molina and Abel Gonzalez and freshman John Harris leading the way. The defense has been tremendous. It’s allowed only 71 points in seven games.
Fillmore also has a solid defense. The Flashes, who are riding a six-game winning streak, have given up just 76 points. On offense, they like to pound the ball with running backs Hayden Wright (995 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns) and Jorge Andrade (694 yards).
Although Carpinteria hurt itself with turnovers in last weekend’s loss at Cantwell Sacred Heart, the team has shown pop in its option attack, with running backs Tim Jimenez and Oscar Garcia and quarterback Jimmy Graves getting the job done. The Warriors are solid up front on both sides of the ball, and linebacker Greg Elizararaz is as tough as they come.
Nordhoff has a new coach (Erik Monson) and a lot of new players. The Rangers played a demanding pre-league schedule that included Lompoc, Paso Robles and Sierra and suffered injuries to several key players. Many of those players are healthy again and are ready for the league opener.
Let the battles begin.
Dos Pueblos (1-7, 0-2) at San Marcos (2-5, 0-1), 7 p.m. — Goleta Valley bragging rights are on the line as both teams look to bounce back from losses last week. Dos Pueblos suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Santa Barbara in overtime while San Marcos was routed by Ventura. Both teams hurt themselves with turnovers. Both teams run the ball well. DP’s Angel Davison is tough to bring down. San Marcos has a couple of strong backs in Inri Cortez and Ivan Reyes.
Santa Barbara (4-4, 1-1) at Buena (2-5, 1-0), 7 p.m. — Santa Barbara coach JT Stone is touting this matchup as a playoff game. The winner has an inside track to a postseason berth. The Dons will need another big game from their defense to contain Buena quarterback Martin Mijares (1,666 yards passing and 14 TDs) and the offensive line needs to keep 6-3 defensive end Dru Mathis away from quarterback Brent Peus.
