San Diego High School Football Weekend Preview : La Jolla-Hoover Game More Than Warmup This Year

In the past, La Jolla and Hoover high schools have used their midseason game as a final warmup before league play.

But, because of the new 12-team format for the playoffs, this year’s game between La Jolla (4-0) and Hoover (3-1) at 3 p.m. today at Hoover is more than a warmup. It could make a difference later in the season.

As John Johnson, Hoover coach, said: “The new playoff picture makes the games more exciting each week.”

The new format, for both the 3-A and 2-A divisions, will allow the top two teams from each league to advance to the division playoffs. Four at-large teams will be selected from each division by a CIF committee. The better a team’s overall record, the better its chances of being selected.

Thus, nonleague victories had added importance.

Said Gene Edwards, La Jolla coach: “I think any game you play this year is important.”

Last season, Hoover finished third in the City Central League, just out of the playoff picture. La Jolla tied for fourth with Kearny in the Western League.

“Both the Central and Western League third-place teams have a good shot at the playoffs with the quality of the teams in the two leagues,” Johnson said. “There are some good third-place teams deserving a playoff berth.

“The nonleague games, especially against undefeated teams, have become a little more important.”

La Jolla’s size and stingy defense would seem to give it the advantage, but injuries and illness have hurt.

Starting defensive tackle and tight end John Beck (6-foot 5-inches, 225 pounds) and lineman Ian Howell (6-3, 220) each missed practice this week because they are suffering from the flu. Edwards does not expect either player to be ready for today’s game. Defensive backs Eric Prior and Vince Brown each suffered a sprained ankles during practice Wednesday and are doubtful.

La Jolla, primarily a running team that uses an I-formation, will also be without tailback Brad Mathews. He missed last week’s game against Serra because of a sprained ankle and is expected to be sidelined today.

Hoover, which has had success this season with both its passing and running games, should put the injury-ridden La Jolla defense to the test.

“They give you so many problems with both their running and passing games, it’s difficult to emphasize one over the other,” Edwards said.

When these teams met a year ago, it was projected to be a defensive struggle. The score was 34-34.

“This is one game where you prepare the best way you can and I still don’t know what’s going to happen,” Johnson said. “This is one of the more exciting games we play throughout the year.”

Other Games to Watch

TODAY No. 4 Morse (3-1) vs. No. 2 Lincoln (4-0)--This game is more than a contest between two perennial city powers. ‘The kids have known each other since elementary school,” said Morse Coach John Shacklett. “It’s one of those neighborhood games that attract a lot of neighborhood attention.” And this year’s game attracts attention beyond the neighborhood because of the rankings. “The key for Morse is not to let them catch any passes,” said Shacklett. “We’ve got to stop Patrick Rowe. He’s one of the premier high school players in the nation.” Rowe is averaging only four catches per game, but has six touchdowns and is averaging 28 yards per catch. “Morse is predominantly a running team and we have a well-balanced team and we have to do both successfully,” said Lincoln Coach Vic Player. “We weren’t able to do that against Point Loma.” Lincoln defeated Point Loma, 12-7.

Valhalla (3-1) at Mount Miguel (2-2)--Valhalla has been the East County’s surprise team. Grossmont 2A coaches picked the Norsemen to finish no better than third in the four-team league, but they are already 2-1 against Grossmont 3A teams and have a good chance to beat Mount Miguel. Coach Carl Iavelli has found success with the passing game in a run-oriented league. Joe Crisci, a receiver last season, leads Valhalla’s passing attack with 58 completions in 112 attempts for 840 yards and 4 touchdowns. Half of Crisci’s completions have gone to John Ace, who has 29 catches for 490 yards and 4 touchdowns. Mount Miguel has yet to recover from the loss of quarterback Anthony Rivera, who separated his shoulder before the season began.

No. 8 Fallbrook (0-1, 2-1-1) at San Dieguito (0-0, 3-1)--With three teams ranked in the Top 10, it seems as if every week brings key games to the Palomar League. Fallbrook is coming off a loss to Vista and will play untested San Dieguito, which had its three-game winning streak snapped by Oceanside last week.

Poway (0-1, 3-1) at No. 1 Vista (1-0, 4-0)-- Well, at least somebody was able to give Vista a game for most of a half. Vista actually trailed last week against Fallbrook, but exploded to win, 48-21. Poway, which had been one of the surprises of the season before being upset by Mt. Carmel last week, might have the defense to at least slow Vista down.

BIG GAME FACTS

Who: La Jolla vs. Hoover.

Where: Hoover High School.

When: 3 p.m.

Records: La Jolla 4-0, Hoover 3-1.

Last meeting: La Jolla 34, Hoover 34 (1985).

Players to watch: La Jolla: John Tribolet (5-11, 175), QB; Doug Powell (5-11, 160), QB; Brent Woodall (6-4, 210), TB/LB. Hoover: Joe Odom (5-10, 170), RB; Mike Walker (5-9, 160), QB; Chris Johnson (5-11, 180), LB/TE.