HIGH SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

Modest gains have brought about a much-needed change of momentum for Channel Islands.

The Raiders (3-5, 1-1) have won their last two games, beating Rio Mesa, 7-0, and Santa Barbara, 41-34. Channel Islands had lost five in a row by a combined score of 113-34.

“Spirits are really good. It’s upbeat right now,” said Donnie Rea, the Raiders’ first-year coach. “But it wasn’t. Two, three weeks ago, Channel Islands was on the floor.

“To the credit of the kids, they kept coming to practice. We didn’t really do anything. We just kept working.”

Among the workhorses have been undersized running backs Augie Castaneda and Tommy Menga.

Castaneda, a 5-foot-6, 126-pound junior tailback, has rushed for 608 yards and nine touchdowns. Menga, a 5-5, 145-pound fullback, has 537 yards and three scores.