PREP FOOTBALL: Capsules

By North County Times | Friday, September 5, 2008 12:03 AM PDT ∞

Nonleague

St. Augustine vs. Carlsbad at Oceanside HS

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: St. Augustine 0-0; Carlsbad 0-0

Last meeting: In 2007, Carlsbad won 21-3

At a glance: Carlsbad, which has no home games this year because its field has been condemned, has defeated the Saints all six times they have met. ... The Lancers return just three starters on offense and three on defense. Ashston Barbour is back to start at tailback and cornerback. Mike Leonard, a transfer from Fallbrook, has taken over at quarterback. ... St. Augustine was 7-5 last year, losing in the CIF San Diego Section Division III semifinals.

Prediction: Carlsbad 23, St. Augustine 14

---- Terry Monahan

Oceanside vs. Eastlake at Southwestern College

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: Oceanside 0-0; Eastlake 0-0

Last meeting: In 2007, Oceanside won 30-14

At a glance: Oceanside has won the last three meetings after dropping the first game against the Titans in 2004. ... Oceanside brings a 12-game winning streak into the game with an even bigger target on its back as last year's CIF Division II State Bowl Game champion. ... QB Jordan Wynn is back after completing 164-of-280 tosses for 2,536 yards, 19 TDs and only 8 interceptions as a junior. But his top six receivers are gone and so is the all-important running back. Elijah Latham is getting the first shot to replace Armani Taylor at RB. ... Eastlake, whose new artificial turf field is not yet ready, is the defending Mesa League champion and went 8-3 last year.

Prediction: Oceanside 28, Eastlake 17

---- Terry Monahan

Mira Mesa at Vista

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: Mira Mesa 0-0; Vista 0-0

Internet: HiTekRadio.com

Last meeting: In 2007, Mira Mesa won 31-7

At a glance: Mira Mesa has won the last two meetings and holds a 3-2-1 lead in the series that began in 1985. ... With 13 starters back, the Panthers could be on the brink of a very good season. QB David Fisher added 15 pounds for his senior season after going 100-for-192 for 1,448 yards and 11 TDs. He's hoping to cut down on his 15 interceptions from last season. ... Eight starters return on defense, led by LBs Chris Kuech, Patrick Lewis, Ofisa Kose and Larry East. .... Mira Mesa was 8-4 , losing to Poway in the CIF San Diego Section Division I semifinals.

Prediction: Vista 24, Mira Mesa 23

---- Terry Monahan

Rancho Buena Vista at Helix

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: Rancho Buena Vista 0-0; Helix 0-0

Last meeting: In 2000, Helix won 34-29

At a glance: This will be the second meeting between the teams. ... Losing nine players with all-league credentials to graduation, the Longhorns want to run the ball again and have four of their five returning starters on the offensive line. C Cody Bagley is joined by OT Nathan Shannon (6-3, 300), OG Cory Gosnell (6-0, 300) and OG Lance Thibodeaux up front. ... Helix, 8-4 last year, is looking to bounce back after losing to Mission Hills in the CIF San Diego Section Division II semifinals. The Highlanders are one of the preseason favorites in Division II. ... Helix was the only team to beat Oceanside in last year's season opener.

Prediction: Helix 31, Rancho Buena Vista 14

---- Terry Monahan

El Camino at San Clemente

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: El Camino 0-0; San Clemente 0-0

Last meeting: First meeting

At a glance: El Camino begins the post-Nelson Rosario era in hopes of fielding a more dangerous running game with RB Eric Paopao to take the pressure off 6-foot-6 QB Colton Morrison, who committed to San Diego State. Last year's running game averaged just 116 yards a game. ... The middle of the offensive line ---- OGs Cedric Te'i and Jesus Nevarez and C Paul Register ---- are all returning starters. ... San Clemente was 7-3-1 last year, but the Tritons were 5-1-1 at home.

Prediction: San Clemente 27, El Camino 21

---- Terry Monahan

Parker at Westview

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: Parker 0-0; Westview 0-0

Last meeting: First meeting

At a glance: Both teams are looking to rebound from losing seasons. Westview was 4-6, while Parker was 3-8, one year after losing to Christian 14-10 in the CIF San Diego Section Division IV final. ... Westview is hoping to improve its defense that yielded 227 points, including a 146-71 margin in the first half. Bryan Amidon is a 6-foot-3, 290-pound defense tackle the Wolverines hope can slow down running games.

Prediction: Westview 24, Parker 10

---- Terry Monahan

Tri-City Christian vs. Capistrano Valley Christian at San Clemente HS

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Saturday

Records: Tri-City Christian 0-0; Capistrano Valley Christian 0-0

Last meeting: In 2007, Capistrano Valley Christian won 29-26

At a glance: The Eagles are hoping to improve on their third-place finish in the Pacific League and a 3-7 overall record under coach Rick Brown by going to a spread offense with QB Andrew Torkelson calling signals. ... Capistrano Valley Christian's defense surrendered 330 points in fashioning a 4-6 record.

Prediction: Capistrano Valley Christian 17, Tri-City Christian 14

---- Terry Monahan

Murrieta Valley at Fallbrook

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: Murrieta Valley 0-0; Fallbrook 0-0

Last meeting: First meeting

At a glance: Murrieta Valley was 6-5 last season, losing to Redlands East Valley 60-53 in the CIF Southern Section playoffs. ... Fallbrook will make its debut under new coach Joe Silvey and the Warriors, who were 2-8 last season, figure to unveil their new four-wide offense. Senior Michael Welsh will open at QB, with Marquis Sumpter and athletic target. LB Jake Ware anchors the defense.� 

Prediction: Fallbrook 14, Murrieta Valley 12

---- John Maffei

San Pasqual at Valley Center

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. today

Records: San Pasqual 0-0; Valley Center 0-0� 

Last meeting: In 2007, San Pasqual won 35-28

At a glance: With QB Tyler Bernard, WR James Johnson, FB Stanton Upson and TE Jeremy Dozier back, Valley Center has plenty of experience on the offensive side. Plus, the defending CIF San Diego Section Division IV champions return five defensive starters. But the Jaguars are inexperienced on the lines. ... San Pasqual figures to throw the ball more this season with QB Eric Bowcock at the helm. But FB Joel Jernigan, who scored 18 TDs last season, is back. The Eagles return only one starter on defense.

Prediction: Valley Center 31, San Pasqual 28

---- John Maffei

Great Oak at Mission Hills� 

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: Great Oak 0-0; Mission Hills 0-0

Last meeting: First meeting

At a glance: Great Oak finished 4-6 last season, but lost its last five games and gave up 103 points in its last three. ... Mission Hills won a school-record 10 games last season and made it to the CIF San Diego Section Division II title game. DJ Zapata returns at QB, but he's the only returning starter on offense. NT Eddie Nuckols, LB Chad Dobbins and SS Zach McMaster anchor what should be a rock-solid defense.

Prediction: Mission Hills 34, Great Oak 13

---- John Maffei

Calexico at Escondido� 

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: Calexico 0-0; Escondido 0-0

Last meeting: First meeting

At a glance: Calexico finished 5-5 last season, losing to Rancho Buena Vista 63-8 in the CIF San Diego Section Division II playoffs. ... Escondido didn't make the playoffs last season and finished a disappointing 2-7. But the Cougars return dynamic junior RBs Ricky Seale and Tim Zier. Seale has already been offered a scholarship to Stanford. On defense, the Cougars return six starters and shift to a 4-3 scheme. LB Evan Langston is the anchor.

Prediction: Escondido 34, Calexico 13

---- John Maffei

L.A. Roosevelt at Torrey Pines� 

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: L.A. Roosevelt 0-0; Torrey Pines 0-0

Last meeting: First meeting

At a glance: The Rough Riders from Roosevelt, a CIF Los Angeles City Section team, were 6-5 last season, losing to Garfield in the playoffs. ... Torrey Pines was 2-7 and didn't make the playoffs. ... Lenny Magill starts at QB, but speedy RB Brock Ringo and TE Trevor Roe are the keys on offense for the Falcons. LBs J.J. Evans and Robert Murray anchor the defense.

Prediction: Torrey Pines 21, L.A. Roosevelt 20

---- John Maffei

Mountain View Christian (Las Vegas) at Army-Navy� 

Kickoff: 2 p.m. Saturday

Records: Mountain View Christian 0-1; Army-Navy 0-0

Last meeting: First meeting

At a glance: Mountain View Christian was 7-3 last season and averaged 33 points a game. The Saints have already played a game this season, losing 23-18 to Pahrump Valley. ... Army-Navy is coming off a 1-7 season.

Prediction: Mountain View Christian 34, Army-Navy 13

---- John Maffei

La Jolla at Santa Fe Christian

Kickoff: 2 p.m. Saturday

Internet: kbcsports.com

Records: La Jolla 0-0; Santa Fe Christian 0-0

Last meeting: In 2007, Santa Fe Christian won 27-20

At a glance: La Jolla was 6-5 last season, losing 42-0 to Valley Center in the playoffs. ... Santa Fe Christian is coming off a disappointing 3-6-1 season. The Eagles hope to reload behind FB Brice Heers. Plus, the team returns three starting offensive linemen ---- Ben Burke, Tyler Wuerdman and Mason Butts. Burke, Heers and CB Sam Hoekstra are the returnees on defense.

Prediction: Santa Fe Cristian 24, La Jolla 13

---- John Maffei

Orange Glen at Sweetwater

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: Orange Glen 0-0, Sweetwater 0-0

Last meeting: In 1977, Sweetwater 14, Orange Glen 8

At a glance: The Patriots were 1-8 last year. �- The Red Devils moved from the Mesa League to the South Bay League this year. �- Orange Glen's Andy Early ran for 661 yards and five TDs last year. FB Ryan Dever is a threat to catch the ball, as he caught 11 passes for 161 yards last year. �- Sweetwater will turn to sophomore QB Adam Aguon to lead its offense. On defense, the team features team captains David Garcia at DL and LB Rudy Garcia and LB Markus Pierce-Brewster, a returning all-league player.

Prediction: Orange Glen 20, Sweetwater 14

---- Matt Null

San Marcos at San Ysidro

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: San Marcos 0-0, San Ysidro 0-0

Last meeting: In 2007, San Marcos 46, San Ysidro 0

At a glance: Last year’s victory for San Marcos broke a 22-game losing streak and this year, the Knights enter with a six-game skid. �- Backup San Marcos QB Josue Rios (613 yards, 7 TDs and 8 INTs) completed 3-of-5 passes for 67 yards and three TDs in the game. �- Starting at QB this year for the Knights will be junior Sebastian Vader, who was 3-for-10 for 21 yards in limited action last year. �-Two WR return for the Knights in Martin Ramirez (11 catches for 127 yards) and Kyle Mann (7 catches for 107 yards). �- The Cougars return seven starters and feature several two-way players. �- Players to watch are RB/DB Josh Morrison, a returning All-Mesa league player and WR/DB Mike Flynt.

Prediction: San Marcos 42, San Ysidro 14

---- Matt Null

La Costa Canyon at Dixie (St. George, Utah)

Kickoff: 6 p.m. today

Records: La Costa Canyon 0-0, Dixie 2-0

Last meeting: First meeting

At a glance: The Flyers have a new coach and a new offensive system that has worked the past two weeks as they have scored 56 points in their first two games. �- QB Mike Sharp was 14-for-26 for 210 yards and one TD in Dixie's last win, a 35-21 victory over Las Vegas Cimarron Memorial. RB Dallen Reber has scored five of Dixie’s TDs, followed by RB Ian Gatchell, who has two. �- For La Costa Canyon, WR Kenny Stills caught 27 catches for 583 yards and 7 TDs last year. RB Seth Hanson returns after rushing for 310 yards on 55 carries. He also caught 16 passes for 263 yards. �- MLB Jacob Driver, LB Dutch Hapgood, SS Karl Nelson, FS Michael Mildbrandt and DE Michael Kaiser will power the defense.

Prediction: La Costa Canyon 34, Dixie 30

---- Matt Null

Poway at Scripps Ranch

Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. today

TV: 4SD (tape, Saturday at noon)

Internet: kbcsports.com

Records: Scripps Ranch 0-0, Poway 0-0

Last meeting: In 2007, Poway 35, Scripps Ranch 13

At a glance: Poway, the defending CIF San Diego Section Division I champion, enters with a 12-game winning streak. �- The Titans graduated more than 30 players off of last year’s team. RB Nick Ricciardulli, who rushed for 1,506 yards and 21 TDs as a junior. �- Sophomore DB Brett Thomas returns to anchor the secondary. �-Scripps Ranch, coming off an 8-3 season, returns one of the top QBs in the section in Michigan-bound Robert “Tate” Forcier. The senior passed for 2,178 yards last season, completing 67 percent of his passes. This year, Forcier has a big target in Fallbrook transfer J.T. Kerr at TE, who caught six passes for 83 yards and one touchdown for the Warriors. Also returning is RB Brennan Clay, who rushed for 369 yards and scored three times as a sophomore. Clay also caught 17 passes for 301 yards.

Prediction: Scripps Ranch 38, Poway 20

---- Matt Null

Ramona at Crawford

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: Ramona 0-0, Crawford 0-0

Last meeting: First meeting

At a glance: The Bulldogs return eight starters, including MLB Tanner Hix, an all-Valley league pick last year. �- Ramona is very deep at WR, with Matt Laws and Mike Head returning, and RB, where coach Damon Baldwin will use three different players. �- Last year’s team MVP, Jarred Gallegos, is out with a knee injury. �- Sophomore RB Tyler Jackson is a player to watch. �- Helping out on defense will be DL Kevin Gugliemetti and DB Dean Faddis. �-For Crawford, they will turn to QB Demario Robinson, DB Derek Harrell and WR Shaquille Bush.

Prediction: Ramona 49, Crawford 7

---- Matt Null

Cathedral Catholic at Steele Canyon

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: Cathedral Catholic 0-0, Steele Canyon 0-0

Last meeting: In 2007, Cathedral Catholic 21, Steele Canyon 7

At a glance: Cathedral Catholic returns 10 players off of last year’s CIF San Diego Section Division III championship team. �- QB Parker Hipp moves over from WR, where he will be handing the ball off to RB Tyler Gaffney, who rushed for 1,432 yards and 27 TDs. �- Opening up holes for Gaffney will be Everett Benyard, a 6 foot 7, 325 pound tackle. On the other side of the line is 6 foot 5, 290 pound Alex Crosthwaite. �- Steele Canyon also has size on the offensive line, with Zakary Butts standing 6-foot-5 and 326 pounds and Ben Kauffman at 6-6, 317. �- Running the ball for the Cougars will be RB Joey Leos, along with WR/RB Jebari Robinson. LB Joe Morgan will lead the defense.

Prediction: Cathedral Catholic 35, Steele Canyon 20

---- Matt Null

Mt. Carmel at Brentwood Heritage

Kickoff: 7 p.m. today

Records: Mt. Carmel 0-0, Brentwood Heritage 0-0

Last meeting: First meeting

At a glance: The Sundevils return seven players from a defense that allowed less than 20 points per game. �- Four returners are LBs Mike Nelson, Garret Fritch, Robbie Hans and the leader, Reggie Noble. Noble will also see time at TE. �- At QB, the Sundevils will use Marcus Strauss, who threw one pass last year. At RB, Shayne Khalil will be the feature back. Last year, the senior rushed for 172 yards on only 45 carries. �- In its first varsity season last year, Heritage went 7-4 and made the playoffs. �- The Patriots feature a lot of depth and a very strong group of LBs. Players to watch are WR Alex Rachal, WR Bryce Walters, RB/LB Anthony Jackson, RB/DB Garrett Christiansen, RB/LB Garrett Hansen, LB Kyle Wells, LB Matt Enos, and LB Diallo Lawson.

Prediction: Brentwood 24, Mt. Carmel 10

---- Matt Null

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