San Diego High School Football Playoffs : 1-A: Bishop’s Favored to Beat Francis Parker

It wouldn’t seem likely that a football team that had never won more than two games in a season, that had never been in the San Diego Section playoffs and that had a first-year coach would be favored to beat the defending champions.

Bishop’s High School is.

Bishop’s (9-1) will play Francis Parker tonight at Mira Mesa High School in the section 1-A eight-man championship game at 7:30 p.m. Parker (7-1) beat Borrego Springs, 28-27, in last year’s inaugural championship.

Bishop’s football team, which is in its fifth year, had more victories this season than in the previous four seasons combined. One of those victories was over Parker, 41-23.

In that game, Bishop’s rush helped cause three interceptions. Bishop’s Coach Tom Melchior said pressure on quarterback Will Beamer will be a key tonight. But Bishop’s cannot place too much emphasis on the pass, Melchior said.

“They are a very good, balanced team,” he said. “They have a good back (Mark Dreapeau) who can run up the middle but they can throw the long pass on you, too. You have to prepare for a balanced attack.”

Bishop’s has a balanced attack as well. Senior Tommy Phanco has passed for 1,112 yards and 18 touchdowns. Running backs Brett Daniel and Jon Glover have rushed for most of Bishop’s 1,500 yards. Daniel has rushed for 23 touchdowns and Glover has scored 12 touchdowns.

That offense has produced 290 points. Bishop’s defense has allowed 93 points.