HIGH SCHOOLS : RBV Will Run More in an Attempt to Finish Perfect Season

Craig Bell, Rancho Buena Vista High School’s football coach, is not about to feel sorry for San Pasqual just because his record-setting running back, Scott Garcia, is the same size as San Pasqual’s biggest linebacker, Kevin Herde (5-feet 10-inches, 185 pounds).

“Size has never won a football game,” Bell said. “Quickness and discipline and poise win football games.”

So how quick is Herde?

“I don’t know if he’s quick enough to get out of the way,” quips San Pasqual Coach Mike Dolan.

Either way, San Pasqual (9-4) is the only thing in the way of a perfect season for top-ranked RBV (12-0). Today at 5 p.m., the teams meet for the San Diego Section 2-A championship in San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium.

Key matchups:

RBV offensive guards vs. San Pasqual tackles--Attribute much of Garcia’s success this season to the outstanding blocking of Jack Harrington (6-1, 258) and Jon Robirds (5-11, 210). San Pasqual tackles Joe Dougherty (5-9, 185) and Bryan Langpap (5-9, 185) will be in charge of trying to neutralize them. And it’s no secret that Rancho Buena Vista will rely on the running game.

“We haven’t passed for 12 weeks,” Bell said. “There’s no reason to start now.”

RBV running backs vs. San Pasqual linebackers--Garcia has rushed for 2,356 yards but defenses haven’t been able to key on him because O.J. Hall (1,614 yards) and MarKeith Ross (758 yards) also have run effectively.

The leader of the small but quick San Pasqual defense is linebacker Danny Andrews (5-8, 165). Along with Herde, Andrews will be largely responsible for chasing down members of the RBV backfield.

San Pasqual backfield vs. RBV linebackers--San Pasqual quarterback Andy Loveland and running backs Jim Clayton (818 yards) and Tony Medina (1,083 yards) have been cause for concern for many defenses this season. Loveland (643 yards rushing and 971 yards passing) throws just enough to take the heat off the running game.

RBV linebackers Al Aliipule (6-3, 225) and Junior Moi (6-4, 220), both members of The Times All-County team, need little introduction. They’re big, strong players who hit as if somebody stole their lunch money . . . 3 days in a row. Bell says Aliipule and Moi will be assigned to Loveland, noseguard Dave Navadel and linebackers Victor Santa Cruz and Mike Salas will be assigned to Medina and the other 6 will watch Clayton.

“Somehow,” Dolan said, “you’ve got to find a way to block (Aliipule and Moi) to run the ball. We’re going to hit them with a different guy every time because (afterward) we may have to take that guy out and replace him.”

Special teams--Give the edge on kickoff returns to San Pasqual and kickoffs to RBV, Dolan says.

The reason?

“Their kickoff return team has never been on (the field),” said Dolan, laughing. “Their kickoff team gets a lot of practice.”