3-A FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS : Buh-Sailors Debate Turning Defensive

There is debate among Palomar League coaches as to the top defender in the league. Is it Orange Glen linebacker Andy Buh, or Rancho Buena Vista linebacker Matt Sailors?

The debate could end at 7:30 tonight when Rancho Buena Vista and Orange Glen meet in a Section 3-A semifinal game at Mira Mesa High.

It is Buh who has the most formidable task. The Orange Glen defense must contain Markeith Ross, who earlier this season became the section’s all-time rushing leader, piled up 1,622 yards on 187 carries this season and is the section’s active scoring leader.

But Ross is only one of Orange Glen’s worries. It also must beware of the guy cloaked in Ross’ shadow, Tyrone Cormier. Rancho Buena Vista’s other running back picked up 1,065 yards on 171 carries this season.

What makes Rancho Buena Vista’s offense so formidable, according to Orange Glen Coach Rob Gilster, “is that they do such a good job of figuring out what you’re trying to take away, and then counter that.”

Sailors and Rancho Buena Vista will be trying to contain Orange Glen’s prolific passing game.

Quarterback Omar Navarro threw for 2,021 yards, completing 138 of 235 passes this season. His quarterback rating of 142.2 was fourth best in the county, but tops among quarterbacks with more than 175 passes.

In addition, Navarro has two of the county’s top 10 receivers at which to aim.

Kris Plash was third in the county with 51 receptions this season and Brian Kooiman was seventh with 35. Then there are tight end Gavin McQueen (18 catches) and speedster Randy Booser (12 catches).

When these two teams met earlier this season, turnovers did in Orange Glen. Rancho Buena Vista took advantage of a fumble, an interception and a blocked field goal to win, 35-21.

Ross carried 17 times and picked up 170 yards and three touchdowns. And he only played three quarters.