THE BIG GAME : Foothill vs. La Quinta

The records--Foothill (0-1), La Quinta (0-1).

The site--Bolsa Grande Stadium.

Key to the game--It’s not often that a big game matches teams with losing records. Foothill was the top-ranked team in a preseason poll of the Southern Conference, but the Knights were upset, 26-7, in their opener last week against Capistrano Valley. It was only the second time Coach Ted Mullen has lost a season opener in 15 years at Villa Park, University and Foothill. “We were mentally unprepared to play that game and that was my fault,” Mullen said. “I think it’s important for both of us to play better this week.” La Quinta lost to El Dorado, 20-19, when a fourth-quarter touchdown was nullified because the Aztecs failed to line up six players on the offensive line. Despite the loss, the Aztecs were impressive with the passing of Eric Zeno and the running of Darrel Crain.

Consensus--Foothill’s pass coverage will have to improve or it could be another long night while La Quinta needs to strive for consistency with newcomer Zeno at quarterback. Mullen has lost two straight games at Foothill only once (in 1983), so look for the Knights to rebound this week.