Foothill League shadow lurker Valencia poised to strike

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I’d never thought I’d call Valencia a ‘quiet team’ after having to endure some student-inspired honking fests in the parking lot at College of the Canyons following some its football contests a few years back, but that’s exactly what the boys over in the west hills of Santa Clarita are this season.

With everybody so enamored with Hart‘s return to Foothill League title-winning form, Canyon‘s bowl response and Saugus’ ability to win more than a couple nonleague games, Valencia has been lurking in the shadows, waiting for the prime opportunity to announce its comeback.

And if it’s gonna happen, it’ll happen against the Centurions on Friday.

Still, it’s incredibly difficult to pinpoint where the Vikings are at because they’ve played teams that are either a step below them or a step ahead of them. Their victories over Palmdale, St. John Bosco, Westchester and Golden Valley were no surprise and their losses to football powerhouses Birmingham and Orange Lutheran (although they were competitive in these games) didn’t lift too many eyebrows, either.

In the end, I think Saugus’ 11-man defense paired with star RB Ryan Zirbel (the kid has over 1,000 yards and 17 TDs) is going to be a decisive factor in determining which team will grab the league’s final playoff spot.

I know Valencia QB Graham Wilbert has proven himself (he’s got 16 TDs) and the offense could be the best in the league after Hart’s, but I just don’t think after three blowout games the Vikings’ defense will be ready for the rude awakening they’ll get from Saugus.

What: No. 23 Saugus (5-1, 1-0) vs. Valencia (4-2, 1-0) at College of the Canyons
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Prediction: Saugus 27, Valencia 20
Calpreps.com: Saugus 31, Valencia 28

- Austin Knoblauch