Eagles Can’t Just Fly By First Round

Capistrano Valley Christian Coach Keith Patefield has a lot to worry about heading into the Eagles’ first-round game against Twin Pines.

Not only does Capistrano Valley Christian have to contend with the Bobcats’ balanced offensive attack, which features a 1,000-yard rusher and passer, the Eagles (7-3) also have to guard against overconfidence.

Patefield acted Sunday as if he were more concerned with a possible second-round matchup against second-seeded Aquinas than his team’s game against Twin Pines (4-4). It’s not like Capistrano Valley Christian--or any Academy League team, for that matter--has a history of playoff success. The Eagles and St. Margaret’s both lost in the first round last year.

If the Eagles, the only county team in the division’s playoffs, are to advance, they will need big games from quarterback Jason Ward, who has thrown for 1,212 yards, and tailback Jamie Bray, who has rushed for 1,221 yards.

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Key Player

Name: Jason Ward

School: Capo. Valley Christian

Key stat: 1,212 yds. passing

Notable: Threw for 219 yards and two touchdowns in a victory last week over

St. Margaret’s.

At a Glance

1999 winner: Pasadena Poly

Seeded teams: 1. Pasadena Poly (9-1), 2. San Bernardino Aquinas (7-1), 3. La Canada Flintridge Prep (6-3), 4. Anza Hamilton (7-3).

County team: Capistrano Valley Christian (7-3).