The CIF playoffs are still four weeks away, but San Marcos could make a significant push toward a postseason berth with a victory over Buena.
The site of the game won’t be determined until the air quality in the Santa Barbara area is checked on Friday morning. The smoke and ash from the Alisal Fire have created unhealthy air quality in the area since Tuesday, according to the Air Pollution Control District.
If the conditions are considered unhealthful by the APCD and the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, the game will be moved to Buena.
It’s a critical point in the season for teams staying in the playoff picture. Teams with losses in league play need to win in order to stay in contention for division playoff berths.
Division placement won’t be determined until the final week of the regular season.
The Royals’ postseason hopes were boosted last week with a 14-0 win at Channel Islands to even their record at 1-1 in the Pacific View League (3-4 overall). Owen Lauderdale sparked a solid defensive effort with three interceptions, and Andre McCullough rushed for 186 yards.
Coach Ralph Molina’s squad will need another good performance from its defense to cool off a Buena team that has won four of its last five games — the loss was a 34-33 decision against Rio Mesa. Last week, the Bulldogs (4-3, 2-0 in league) pulled out a 25-19 win against Santa Ynez on a 40-yard touchdown pass on the last play of the game.
Buena has to be careful of looking ahead to next week’s crosstown battle with Ventura.
The Bulldogs have a balanced attack with dual-threat quarterback Zane Carter passing for 868 yards and rushing for 381, and running back Jake Murphy gaining 823 on just 90 carries.
San Marcos’ offense has pretty much relied on the running of the speedy McCullough.
The Pick: Buena.
Friday’s schedule may change as the air quality in the Santa Barbara area may force Santa Barbara and Dos Pueblos high schools to have their games moved to the Oxnard area.
Oxnard (3-4, 1-1) at Santa Barbara (5-2, 1-1), 7 p.m. — The Dons look to bounce back from a tough 24-21 loss against Pacifica in a Channel League game. They’ll get a boost on both sides of the ball with the return of running back/linebacker Nathan Barrios to the lineup. The pass rush from the outside by Barrios and Grant Gonzales will be key in trying to contain Oxnard’s athletic quarterback, Devin Tate. The emergence of sophomore Jack Holdren at wide receiver adds to a collection of talented receivers for quarterback Abel Renteria. The Pick: Santa Barbara.
Rio Mesa (5-2, 2-0) at Dos Pueblos (2-5, 0-2), 7 p.m. — The Chargers gave Oxnard a good battle last week in a 21-14 Channel League loss. But Rio Mesa comes in hot, riding a five-game winning streak that includes a come-from-behind victory over Lompoc last week. The Spartans have a diversified offense and their defense has played well, posting a shutout against Oxnard and holding Camarillo to 21 points. The Pick: Rio Mesa.
Nordhoff (5-3, 2-0) at Carpinteria (0-7, 0-1), 7 p.m. — Nordhoff has too many offensive weapons and is aiming toward a Citrus Coast League showdown with Hueneme. The Pick: Nordhoff
Ventura (4-2, 2-0) at Santa Ynez (5-2, 1-1), 7 p.m. — If the host Pirates want to stay in the Pacific View League title hunt, they need to rebound after last week’s heartbreaking loss at Buena and get after it against a good Ventura team. This figures to be a close game. Pirates kicker Leo Valencia, who is 6 for 6 on field goal attempts, could be the difference maker. The Pick: Santa Ynez.
Lompoc (3-4, 0-2) at Pacifica (2-0 3-4), 7 p.m. — The offensive talent in this game is crazy. Lompoc’s struggling defense will have its hands full trying to contain the high-powered Tritons. The Pick: Pacifica.
Channel Islands (1-6, 0-2) at Cabrillo (0-8, 0-2), 7 p.m. — The Conquistadores have a good shot at a win. The Pick: Cabrillo.
SATURDAY
Newbury Park (2-4, 0-0) vs. Bishop Diego (5-1, 0-0) at SBCC, 7:30 p.m. — The Cardinals open Camino League playing after a bye week and their first loss of the season (21-14 to St. Bonaventure). They should be sharp and refocused as they aim for a league title and a high playoff seed. Newbury Park has lost four straight and given up 156 points in the losses. The Pick: Bishop Diego.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.