A collision course needed for both teams

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Some of the most interesting games this week involving Orange County teams feature out-of-county opponents.

My favorite is La Palma Kennedy (2-0) at Vista Murrieta (2-0). A lot of Inland Empire teams have tended to play each other, so I’m really glad to see Vista Murrieta reach inside the Orange Curtain for a game. It started to upgrade its schedule last season, and has an even better schedule this season. In fact, Vista Murrieta is playing opponents from San Diego County, the low desert and Grand Junction, Colo.

I’m glad to see Kennedy get a shot at them. Kennedy is a step down from Orange County’s elite teams every year, but is almost always above-average and legitimate contenders within their division. The Irish won the Southern Division title last season. They are each probably the best nonleague opponent the other will face this season.

The Inland Division is much tougher than the Southern, and Vista Murrieta was the second-seeded team in the Inland a year ago but lost in the second round of the playoffs to eventual champion Norco.

‘I like to go out and play good people,’ said Mitch Olson, who is in his 21st season as Kennedy’s coach. ‘I want to see what we have. We’re a big question mark. We’re solid on defense, but we’ve got to play some second- or third-round caliber playoff teams to see how we do.’

Kennedy, ranked No. 10 in Orange County, has outscored opponents, 64-12, and one of the two touchdowns it allowed was in the fourth quarter with a 35-6 lead.

But playing Vista Murrieta -- ranked No. 4 in the IE by the Press Enterprise -- is a definite step up. The Broncos aren’t Savanna or Lakewood. They’re a young program with something to prove. Kennedy quarterback Zack Emde will get pressured in the pocket, and running back Cory Smith will get hit hard. Kennedy’s defense will find Kavon Seaton and Bradley Randle difficult to catch -- and tackle. Kennedy will know something about itself afterward. But that’s what Olson wants and his team needs.

‘I know they’re good, I know they’re tough,’ Olson said of Vista Murrieta. ‘I hope it’s going to be a hell of a game.’

I think it will be.

-Martin Henderson