La Quinta and Saddleback to Play for Central Title

Bart Recktenwald of La Quinta High School and Glenn Campbell of Saddleback, two of the most exciting prep football players in Orange County, will be featured at 7:30 tonight in the Central Conference championship game in Orange Coast College’s LeBard Stadium.

Recktenwald, who doubles as a tailback and cornerback, has scored 21 touchdowns this season to lead the high-scoring Aztecs (11-2) to their first title appearance since the school opened in 1963. La Quinta has averaged 42 points in three playoff games.

Among Recktenwald’s touchdown runs this season are two 92-yard interception returns, an 85-yard kickoff return, a 78-yard punt return and six touchdown runs of 60 yards or longer.

The play of Eric Zeno has been instrumental in the Aztecs’ playoff success. Zeno, son of Aztec Coach Joe Zeno, broke his leg in the second game of the season and returned for the final game of the regular season as a tight end and outside linebacker. He had previously played quarterback.

“When Eric returned, we went to a double-tight end offense which allowed us to run to either side of the line,” Zeno said. “Our running game was no longer predictable.”

Saddleback (12-1) is also making its first appearance in a title game. The Roadrunners’ defense, led by tackle Peter Pesak and linebacker Don Warnick, has allowed only 23 points in three playoff games.

Offensively, Campbell has been a standout for three years. The senior tailback has rushed for 2,355 yards and 36 touchdowns. This season, he has gained 1,403 yards and scored 22 touchdowns in 201 carries.

Quarterback Myron Butler, a converted flanker, has passed for 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns.

The Game

The Teams: Saddleback vs. La Quinta

What: CIF Central Conference Championship.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Where: Orange Coast College.