Esperanza keeping mistakes to a minimum

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Esperanza has resisted the lure of high-tech spread offensive systems, staying with run-dominant formations like the veer. It’s hard to argue with the Aztecs’ success -- a 10-1 record, a share of the Sunset League title and a quarterfinal showdown with Servite (8-2) on Friday at Cal State Fullerton.

But perhaps most impressive is the way they have been keeping the ball away from the opposition recently. They’ve had only one offensive turnover in the last three games and no offensive penalties.

‘We’ve been averaging about one [turnover] a game this season,’ Coach Bill Pendleton said. ‘We’re not going to ‘out-athlete’ many other teams, so we have to shorten the game by running.

‘It’s one reason I like our offensive schemes. Not many people do the veer anymore, and sometimes there’s an advantage in doing what others don’t.’

-- Mike Terry