TONIGHT’S FEATURED GAMES

Valencia vs. Bolsa Grande

The records--Valencia (2-1-1), Bolsa Grande (4-0)

The site--Bolsa Grande High School

Valencia update--The Tigers were upset by Troy last week, 8-7. To avert a second consecutive loss, Valencia’s defense will have to stop Bolsa Grande running backs Travin Lui and Ricky Lepule, who are the main reasons the Matadors are averaging 30 points per game. Valencia counters with two talented running backs, Tony Goulet and Dorian Estes, each of whom gained more than 100 yards last week. Valencia, which was inside Troy’s 38-yard line four times but came away with only one touchdown, must take advantage of its scoring opportunities to beat Bolsa Grande.

Bolsa Grande update--Coach Greg Shadid says that neither team will have a complicated game plan. “It’s just a matter of each team trying to stop the other’s running game,” Shadid said. “It’s a matter of which team’s defense will play better. The only difference is that we don’t have the size they do.” Bolsa Grande, which earned a Central Conference playoff berth last year, will gain respect if it can beat Valencia, its toughest test of the year.

Key to the game--Which team plays better defense. Valencia has practiced against a veer offense run by its scout team, but it won’t be quite the same as facing Bolsa Grande’s veer run by quarterback Damon Fisher. And it won’t be easy for Bolsa Grande to slow down the running of Goulet and Estes.

Consensus--Valencia already is a county power whereas Bolsa Grande is on the verge of becoming one. Because more is at stake for Bolsa Grande, look for the Matadors to win in a close game.

Laguna Beach vs. San Clemente

The records--Laguna Beach (4-0), San Clemente (3-1)

The site--San Clemente High School

Laguna Beach update--There are several reasons why Laguna Beach, not known as a football power, is undefeated. The defensive line, led by junior tackles Mike Souadjian (5-feet 11-inches, 290 pounds) and Dylan Candelaria (6-1, 284), averages 253 pounds. The Artists have allowed 10.2 points per game. Offensively, tailback Jonathan Todd is the the Southern Section’s leading rusher with 766 yards and 6 touchdowns. Todd gets excellent blocking from fullback Andy Myers (5-11, 198). “It’s the biggest team I can ever remember at Laguna Beach,” said Allie Schaff, San Clemente coach. “They don’t do anything fancy, they just come right at you and try to hammer you with their size.” Quarterback Danny Lane averages only 14 passes per game, but the junior has thrown for 367 yards and has not been intercepted.

San Clemente update--The Tritons are off to their best start since 1982 despite losing several key players to injuries. Tailback Dan Morgan rushed for 238 yards the first two games, but suffered a groin pull and hasn’t played since. He is listed as questionable for tonight. Defensive ends Doug Smith and Vinicio Garcia had shoulder injuries in the opener against Woodbridge, but are expected to return tonight. Lineman Todd Johnson had five sacks against Laguna Hills in a 7-6 victory two weeks ago. San Clemente has scored only 27 points in its past three games, but the Tritons have won all three. Quarterback Andy Greek has thrown only 37 passes as the Tritons’ run-and-shoot offense has mostly misfired.

Key to the game--Laguna Beach will try to use its overwhelming size advantage to overpower San Clemente. “Let’s be realistic,” Schaff said. “We haven’t played any of the ‘bigs’ and we will be severly tested.” San Clemente must establish a running game if it hopes to have a chance.

Consensus--Tonight is homecoming at San Clemente, which should keep the Tritons inspired for about a quarter. But this game will be no contest. Laguna Beach should win by at least three touchdowns.

Los Alamitos vs. Loara

The records--Los Alamitos (4-0), Loara (3-0-1)

The site--Glover Stadium

The standings--Los Alamitos, which won its league opener, is tied for first place with Cypress and Pacifica. Loara, which tied with Esperanza, is in second place with the Aztecs.

Los Alamitos update--The Griffins routed El Dorado last week, 37-3, as Tom Williamson completed 15 of 20 passes for 217 yards. Williamson is the county’s fifth-rated quarterback with a 68% completion rate (49 of 72). Two receivers, Ken Montgomery (20 receptions for 256 yards) and Rob Nen (12 for 205) also are among the county leaders. The Griffin defense, led by tackle Mike Rogers and linebacker Roger Roadstrom, has not allowed a touchdown. The Griffins shut out Los Amigos and Gahr and allowed field goals to Tustin and El Dorado. Los Alamitos already has intercepted 10 passes.

Loara update--Loara also has an outstanding defense, and the Saxons have tested it against a tougher schedule than Los Alamitos. Loara had recorded a school-record three straight shutouts before giving up its first touchdown to Esperanza last week in a 14-14 tie. The Aztecs got their other touchdown on an interception return. The Saxons might have been able to upset Esperanza had it not been for four turnovers--three interceptions and one fumble. Fullbacks Brian Malavar and Bob Titus are Loara’s main ballcarriers in the absence of tailback Andy Janney, who has been recovering from a broken jaw. But Janney’s return tonight should give the Saxons a lift.

Key to the game--What does Los Alamitos Coach John Barnes expect in this matchup of undefeated teams? “Trouble--because they’re the best team we’ve faced,” he said. The Griffins have beaten Loara in four of their last five meetings. “We’ve beaten them the last three times, it’s their homecoming, it’s Herb Hill’s 25th anniversary (as head coach at Loara) and they’ll use anything else they can think of (to get the players inspired to win),” Barnes said. “It will probably be a low-scoring game.”

Consensus--If Loara’s offense can be more productive, the Saxons could surprise Los Alamitos. But if Saxon quarterback Scott Wood gets flustered, the Griffins could turn this game into another rout.