Flip the switch; it’s time to turn on the Friday Night Lights.
The high school football season kicks off Friday with four local teams taking the field for Week Zero games. Bishop Diego is the only team playing its opener at home. The Cardinals jump right into the fire of CIF Northern Division play as they take on Righetti of the Pac 5 League at 7 p.m., at SBCC’s La Playa Stadium.
Dos Pueblos and Santa Barbara both head down the 101 to Oxnard to play Pacific View League teams. The Chargers face Pacifica, which is coming off a 9-2 season, while the Dons open at Hueneme.
San Marcos hits the road to the Santa Clarita Valley to take on West Ranch. All games are at 7 p.m.
Righetti vs. Bishop Diego, at SBCC: After the Cardinals had their season ended against Pac 5 member Atascadero in the second round of the playoffs last year, the returning players hit the weight room hard during the offseason to be better prepared for the physical nature of playing in Division 3. All the hard work will be put to a test in the opener against Righetti. The Pac 5 school will be big and physical up front. Running back Deandre Thomas and 6-4, 220-pound tight end Troy Atopoeus lead the Warriors. Bishop is loaded at the skill positions, led by senior quarterback Spencer Stovesand, slot back AV Bennett and running back Michael Soracco. On defense, Matt Shotwell and Soracco are ferocious linebackers and Bennett is tough to beat in the secondary. The pick: Bishop Diego.
Santa Barbara at Hueneme: The Dons have a motivated group of seniors who want to do some big things. Three-year starting quarterback Brent Peus has a bigger line to work behind, which should give him time to utilize all of his weapons. The defense is solid with linebacker Junior Garcia, Carter Soto and Robert Tovar and safety Jeremiah Nicholson leading the charge. They face an inexperienced Hueneme team that is coming off a 0-10 season. The pick: Santa Barbara.
Dos Pueblos at Pacifica: The Chargers unveil their up-tempo offense against a tough opponent. The Tritons have some experienced playmakers in running back Torrey Davis and wide receivers Daniel Moraga and Albert Magallanes, but they’re inexperienced at quarterback. DP, which is looking to turn things around after a 1-9 season, has an experienced signal-caller in junior Kellen Roberts and a big-play receiver in senior Josh Flora. This game should come down to what team makes the big plays on defense. The DP defense is coached by former Santa Barbara coach Doug Caines. The pick: Dos Pueblos
San Marcos at West Hills: With so many players in new positions, it may take a few games for the Royals to settle into their new roles. West Ranch has a big line and an experienced quarterback. The pick: West Ranch.
