Featured Games : Esperanza vs.El Dorado
The records--El Dorado (2-1, 4-2), Esperanza (1-2, 1-5).
The site--Bradford Stadium.
The standings--El Dorado is tied for second with Kennedy, and Esperanza is tied with Loara for third.
Esperanza update--The fine Aztec defense played well in last week’s 3-0 loss to league-leading Pacifica, but the offense faltered. Quarterback Greg Beckman threw two untimely interceptions, which halted the Aztecs’ momentum. Beckman and his swift receivers usually make the passing game Esperanza’s long suit. But last week, the maligned rushing game was more effective. Tailback Mike Miscione, returning from a sprained ankle, gained 101 yards on 20 carries, not a bad night against Pacifica.
El Dorado update--With tailback Rich Chamberlain sidelined with a knee injury and quarterback Dan Sutherland suffering some growing pains in his confidence, the Golden Hawks suffered a 3-0 loss to Loara last week. Sutherland completed just 7 of 17 passes for 83 yards, and Doug Ash had to take responsibility for the rushing game, gaining 77 yards. Chamberlain, the league’s third-leading scorer with five touchdowns, will return tonight, said Coach Carl Sweet, and that should help Sutherland bounce back, too.
Key to the game--Because both teams have such good defenses, Sweet says whichever one manages to score a couple touchdowns early will gain a decided advantage. Consensus--These north county rivals have established a pattern in the past eight years. Since 1977, the Aztecs have won the game in every even-numbered year, and the Golden Hawks have it in every in odd-numbered year. But the 1985 game is crucial to Esperanza, and the Aztecs may shatter the pattern in a low-scoring game.
Fountain Valley vs.Marina
The records--Fountain Valley (1-0, 3-3), Marina (1-0, 3-2-1).
The site--LeBard Stadium
The standings--The teams are in a three-way tie with Westminster for first place in the Sunset League.
Fountain Valley update--The Barons are coming off a 28-0 win over Ocean View in last week’s league opener, a game Coach Mike Milner called “our most complete to date.” Quarterback John Peart was erratic during the Barons’ demanding nonleague schedule but completed 9 of 12 passes for 180 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Seahawks. Wide receiver Dennis Arey returned to the lineup after missing one game with a shoulder injury and caught six passes--three for touchdowns--for 123 yards. Arey has scored eight touchdowns in five games and is the player to stop in Fountain Valley’s offense. Sophomore Derek Teuscher started at tailback last week in place of injured Tom Vrab (hip pointer) and will be the starter again tonight. Milner said that Westminster’s upset of Edison last week doesn’t change his team’s approach to the league championship race. “Every game is going to be a title game,” he said. “That’s the situation we’re in.”
Marina update--Like Peart, Viking quarterback Rick Vanderriet had his best game last week in a 26-10 win over Huntington Beach. He completed 10 of 17 passes for 141 yards and broke free for an 84-yard touchdown run. But the Vikings are still trying to recover from a 14-0, nonleague loss to Foothill four weeks ago in which they lost four starters to injuries. Offensive tackle Pat Brown (ankle) and defensive tackle Ron Larson (knee) are still sidelined and linebacker Todd Destatte (Achillies’ tendon) is doubtful. Defensive back Keith Laszlo broke a bone in his hand but played a bit last week. The Marina defense, paced by an experienced secondary, has allowed an average of 10.6 points per game. Defensive backs Laszlo and Bill Craft have three interceptions each.
Key to the game--Marina’s offense. The Vikings’ defense should keep it close, provided it isn’t forced to spend most of the night on the field. Marina needs to move the ball and sustain drives to prevent Arey from getting too many chances to break it open.
Consensus--The Barons are the slightest of favorites. Arey’s presence gives them the consistent offensive performer that Marina lacks.
Capistrano Valley vs.Irvine
The records--Capistrano Valley (2-1, 5-1), Irvine (2-1, 5-1).
The site--Irvine Stadium.
The standings--Both teams trail South Coast League co-leaders El Toro and Mission Viejo by one game.
Capistrano Valley update--Quarterback Scott Stark has been passing for an average of 290 yards per game which has put him on course to break Jim Karsatos’ county, single-season record of 2,703 yards set in 1980. Stark enters the game with 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns. “I don’t know if he’s the best I’ve ever seen in high school, but he’s as good as anyone I’ve ever seen,” said Terry Henigan, Irvine coach. Stark’s two favorite targets--wide receivers Nathan Call and Todd Beightol--are the county’s second- and third-leading receivers. Opposing teams have tried everything from blitzing every play to “dime defenses” in an unsuccessful effort to contain the Cougars’ passing game. The Cougars’ defense, led by tackle David Berkeley, has allowed only 56 points in 6 games for an average of 9.3 points.
Irvine update--The Vaqueros upset Capistrano Valley, 20-18, on a field goal with six seconds remaining last year. “I had already packed the footballs and thought the game was over,” said Dick Enright, Cougar coach. “They had a fourth and long at their 40-yard line with no timeouts. They completed a long pass and the next thing I know Henigan’s son (Mike) is getting ready to kick a field goal.” Henigan’s son has graduated, but the Vaqueros can equal the school record for victories with another win. Unfortunately, the Vaqueros have had problems scoring lately out of their Delaware Wing-T offense, getting only 21 points in their last two games. Irvine quarterback Jimmy Raye figures to get a workout doubling at free safety.
Key to the game--Capistrano Valley will have to contain Irvine’s potent running game and not allow Raye to get outside with his speed. Irvine must play possession football and hope to keep the ball out of the hands of Stark.
Consensus--Capistrano Valley has proven it can pass against anyone, and Irvine should be no exception. There won’t be an upset this year.