HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

There is a method to the madness of Valencia Coach Brian Stiman: Play tougher teams early, play tougher in the playoffs.

Last year the Vikings played Silverado, Serra and Chaminade in the second through fourth games, going 1-2. This season those three were replaced by Peninsula, Oxnard and Chatsworth.

“We scheduled Peninsula and Chatsworth for obvious reasons,” Stiman said.

Stiman wanted his defense to get a taste of an established, ball-control offense such as Peninsula, and a high-profile passing attack like Chatsworth has with quarterback Matt Cassel.

Valencia lost to Peninsula, 21-7, but proved a formidable opponent except for four turnovers.

Tonight’s game against Chatsworth will allow the Vikings to practice air-traffic control before facing pass-happy Hart and Saugus in league play.

“It’s the first test of a few to come,” Stiman said. “Hopefully this will work out.”

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Valencia quarterback Kyle Bauer continues to improve, but his receivers aren’t providing much help. Last week against Oxnard, Bauer was six of 12 for 111 yards and two touchdowns, but three passes were dropped, including two in the end zone.

“We’re very pleased with [Bauer],” Stiman said. “He’s getting more and more confident.”