Featured Games : Esperanza vs. El Modena
The records--Esperanza (0-1), El Modena (1-0).
The site--Fred Kelly Stadium.
Esperanza update--The Aztecs were on the wrong end of some big plays in last week’s 21-7 loss to Marina. The Esperanza secondary gave up touchdown passes of 46 and 65 yards, and those plays became the difference in the game. They were also helped Marina gain a 266-231 advantage in total offensive yardage, a statistic which indicates Esperanza wasn’t exactly blown out. The Aztecs were hurt by five turnovers, however, and Coach Pete Yoder said his team can’t afford to make that many mistakes against El Modena, which enters the game ranked No. 1 in Orange County. Quarterback Greg Beckman had three passes intercepted. Said Yoder, when asked to give an injury report on the Marina game: “We didn’t have anybody get hurt, other than a few egos. And hopefully those can be corrected.”
El Modena update--The Vanguards haven’t lost since a 21-6 setback to Century League rival Foothill last Oct. 12. That nine-game winning streak includes a 26-0 win over Esperanza in last season’s Southern Conference championship game. El Modena Coach Bob Lester called that win the sweetest of his career, but doesn’t expect the rematch to be as lopsided. “They’re not as good as they were when we last played them, but neither are we,” Lester said. Edison Coach Bill Workman might disagree. The Vanguards opened the season last week by upsetting then top-ranked Edison, 14-0. The El Modena defense limited Edison to 27 yards in total offense. Quarterback Chris Gallego, playing with a dislocated thumb on his passing hand, was 7 of 13 for 51 yards. “It’s still sore,” Lester said of his quarterback’s injury. “It probably will be sore for two or three weeks.”
Key to the game--Emotions. Yoder insists that last season’s championship game is all but forgotten. “Last year has no bearing on this year.” The Esperanza players who were involved in that embarrassing defeat may see it differently. Lester is concerned his team’s coming off last week’s big win. Intensity will play a major role.
Consensus--Though the Vanguards may not have the talent they had last season, they proved they haven’t lost their intensity with a win over a solid Edison team in last week’s opener. El Modena is favored.
Fountain Valley vs. El Toro
The records--Fountain Valley (1-0), El Toro (1-0).
The site--LeBard Stadium
Fountain Valley update--The Barons rallied to beat Mater Dei, 20-10, last week on two fourth-quarter scoring passes from quarterback John Peart to wide receiver Dennis Arey. That combination accounted for three of the Baron touchdowns, although Peart only completed 30% (7 of 23) of his passes. This week’s offense should have more balance and be even more difficult to contain with the return of the team’s fastest player, tailback Tom Vrab, who can run 40 yards in 4.5 seconds. He missed the beginning of the season because of arthroscopic knee surgery. Meanwhile, Terry Reichert carried most of the burden of the rushing game last week, gaining 100 yards on 21 carries.
El Toro update--The Charger offense also has a strong passing and rushing attack. Sophomore quarterback Bret Johnson, son of Charger Coach Bob Johnson, had an exceptionally promising varsity debut in last week’s 21-3 rout of Estancia. Johnson completed 7 of 15 passes for 121 yards, and throwing no interceptions. He has use of two good receivers in split end Scott Miller and wide receiver Chris Bailey. The Chargers are multifaceted thanks to tailback Ron Chocklet, who gained 103 yards against Estancia. He is currently the county’s ninth-ranked rusher, and is ably assisted by fullback David Steele.
Key to the game--The steadiness and consistency of the quarterbacks are crucial. Though both teams are big and skillful, Fountain Valley has the edge in age and experience, particularly at quarterback. Peart earned his position under pressure last season, entering the Edison game at halftime to rally the Barons to an 11-10 victory. The comeback he manufactured last week against Mater Dei was before 8,000 fans at Santa Ana Stadium. Johnson may have poise under fire, but that has yet to be tested.
Consensus--The Barons, ranked third in the county in this week’s Orange County Prep Sportswriters poll, should triumph over 10th-ranked El Toro in a close game.
Pacifica vs. Westminster
The records--Pacifica (1-0), Westminster (1-0).
The site--Westminster.
Pacifica update--The Mariners subdued stubborn Villa Park last week, 17-10, and showed they have a diverse running attack. Fullback Bill Hardesty and tailbacks Tony Caceda and Callen Chase give the Mariners a formidable threesome. Caceda, in particular, ran for 99 yards on 13 carries, which is notable if only because he is 5-feet 6-inches and 150 pounds. Pacifica’s defense also played well, limiting Villa Park to a touchdown and a field goal.
Westminster update--The Lions had a single touchdown against Valencia, but that’s all it took to upset the Tigers, 7-6, last week. Much of the offense was provided by quarterback Steve Gulley, who was 10 for 14 with 114 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown pass to Danny Saldana. Throughout the game, the Westminster offense showed the ability to pass effectively, and this figures to concern the Mariners. On defense, the Lions limited highly regarded Valencia running back Ray Pallares to 98 yards, but more important, kept him out of the end zone. That defense is led by linebackers Ray Smith and Mark Smith. The latter recovered a fumble to set up the Lions’ winning score against Valencia.
Key to the game--The defenses. Westminster must stop Pacifica’s running attack, and the Mariners’ defense must contain Gulley.
Consensus--Westminster, after upsetting Valencia, figures to be able to slow down the Pacifica running game long enough for Gulley to score. In what looks to be a low-scoring game, the Lions should prevail.