The “Big Game” against San Marcos isn’t until next week for the Santa Barbara High football team.
That makes Friday night’s clash at Buena the “Huge Game.”
Both teams enter the clash tied for first place in the Channel League standings with Pacifica and Rio Mesa at 5-1. So, Friday night’s winner puts itself in great position to earn a share of the championship.
Santa Barbara, which has won its last two league games by a combined score of 104-0, faces a Buena team that has played well defensively. The Bulldogs held Ventura to a touchdown in a 10-7 win and lost to Rio Mesa 14-13.
If the Dons are going to win this game, they have to contain Buena quarterback Zane Carter. He does it all for the Bulldogs, including kick field goals. He kicked the game-winner against Ventura on the last play of the game.
Carter is one of those special players who doesn’t have gaudy statistics, but just knows how to win.
Santa Barbara’s speed and athleticism at the linebacker position and in the secondary will be key in keeping Carter from making big plays.
Offensively, the Dons will need all their weapons to loosen up the Buena defense, and they’ll need to deliver when they’re in the red zone.
Santa Barbara coach J.T. Stone said at the beginning of the season that the team’s goal was to win Channel League, and that winning the league title would mean more than CIF, because it’s not a crapshoot like the pairings for the division playoffs.
His Dons will need another huge performance like in the Oxnard and Rio Mesa games to keep their goal alive.
The Pick: Santa Barbara
Channel Islands (0-8, 0-6) at San Marcos (3-5, 1-5), 7 p.m. — The Royals want to build momentum before next week’s Big Game against Santa Barbara. The Pick: San Marcos
Dos Pueblos (3-6, 1-6) at Rio Mesa (6-2, 5-1), 7 p.m. — The Chargers run into a red-hot Rio Mesa squad that is coming off a big win against Pacifica and is in the hunt for the Channel League title. The Pick: Rio Mesa
Carpinteria (2-6, 0-2) at Nordhoff (0-9, 0-3), 7 p.m. — Carpinteria quarterback Talon Trumble should have a big game against the winless Rangers. The Pick: Carpinteria.
SATURDAY
Westlake (2-6, 0-3) vs. Bishop Diego (5-3, 1-2) at SBCC, 7:30 p.m. (Radio: AM 1290, 96.9 FM) — The Cardinals can put themselves in a great position to earn a playoff spot with a win over the struggling Warriors. Westlake has scored only 27 points in its three Marmonte League games. The Pick: Bishop Diego