FRONTIER LEAGUE

TEAM TO BEAT

When you’re a two-time defending league champion and have established a strong playoff tradition, you are the team to beat. Nordhoff is that team. The Rangers have won eight consecutive league games since losing a finale to Moorpark, 7-6, in 1997. Nordhoff’s rushing attack, led by wingback Nick Kaiser, is averaging 220 yards a game.

CHALLENGERS

Truth be told, the league title is up for grabs. It could be Nordhoff, Santa Paula or Calabasas, or all of the above for a three-way championship. Santa Paula allows more yardage than it gains. But the Cardinals are undefeated and have posted impressive victories over Oak Park and Channel Islands in the last two weeks. Running behind an offensive line that averages 240 pounds, Xavier Ramirez and Jacob Macias have combined for nine touchdowns. Because of injuries, Calabasas has yet to play at full strength, but has a winning combination with quarterback Justin Fenchel and receivers David Wolfe and Andre Woodert.

THE REST

Malibu and Santa Clara are still searching for a victory this season and neither probably will get it until they face off Nov. 3. Malibu tied Fillmore, another winless team, 6-6, in its opener. Santa Clara, which averages six points a game, had a coaching change two weeks ago. Sophomore Jimmie Griffin has thrown for nearly 700 yards but has 10 interceptions against five touchdowns.

STANDINGS

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League Overall School W L T W L T PF PA Santa Paula 0 0 0 4 0 1 129 85 Nordhoff 0 0 0 3 2 0 110 107 Calabasas 0 0 0 2 3 0 142 126 Malibu 0 0 0 0 4 1 80 133 Santa Clara 0 0 0 0 5 0 31 189

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DATES TO MARK

Oct. 27 Nordhoff vs. Santa Paula

Nov. 3 Santa Paula vs. Calabasas

Nov. 9 Nordhoff vs. Calabasas