November 30, 2019. That was the last time Santa Barbara High’s football team played a game.
It was the CIF-Southern Section Division 8 final against Sunny Hills, and the Dons lost in a heartbreaker, 24-21.
Several Dons return from the championship-game experience, and coach JT Stone is relying on their leadership as Santa Barbara plays its first spring game on Friday night at Santa Ynez High.
Leading the way is none other than Wisconsin-bound quarterback Deacon Hill. After waiting and wondering for months if he and his fellow upperclassmen would have a senior season, Hill and Co. finally get the chance to show their stuff in the spring.
They’ll face a Santa Ynez squad that has a game under its belt. The Pirates lost 24-7 against a talented Lompoc team.
They had an early tying touchdown called back by a penalty, and twice turned the ball over on downs in the red zone.
Santa Barbara’s opener last week against San Marcos was called off due to COVID-19 issues.
“Physically, we already know its going to be a battle,” Stone said of playing coach Josh McClurg’s Pirates. “But if we execute and do what we’re supposed to do, we’re going to be fine.”
Stone reminds his players of the 2018 game at Santa Ynez, when the Dons didn’t bring the ‘A’ game and were beaten 28-10, costing them a better playoff draw.
“We talk about that Santa Ynez game all of the time,” he said. “That’s the Santa Ynez that can show up Friday night. I don’t put anything past them. They have a great player in Logan Ast. He’s a stud.
“It’s a scary deal coming into playing a team like this. They’re going to come out and play.”
In other games:
Lompoc (1-0) at Dos Pueblos (0-1), 7 p.m. — The Chargers will have their hands full against a potent Lompoc attack. Sophomore quarterback Cavin Ross threw for 345 yards and three touchdowns, receiver Cailin Daniels caught seven passes for 97 yards and a score, and running back Sheldon Canley rushed for 107 yards and a TD.
DP quarterback Josiah Severson and receiver Timothy Lisi formed a nice passing connection for the Chargers in the 14-13 loss against Fillmore.
San Marcos (0-0) vs. Cabrillo (0-0), Lompoc’s Huyck Stadium, 7 p.m. — Both teams are playing their opening game, and it’s the debut of Cabrillo coach Andy Guyader. He got the job last March, and wasn’t able to meet with his players in person until September because of the pandemic and state health restrictions. He has a few seniors, but most of the squad is comprised of underclassmen.
San Marcos coach Jason Fowle said his team got to practice this week. He is starting Rhys Morgan at quarterback, while Patrick Kelly will be the Royals’ primary running back.
Carpinteria (0-0) at Nordhoff (1-0), 7 p.m. — Carpinteria travels to Ojai for its spring football debut at Citrus Coast League rival Nordhoff. Diego Mendez returns to start at quarterback for the Warriors. He showed last season that can make plays with his feet. Coach Mario Robinson is excited about sophomore running back Esteban DeSantiago.
Nordhoff has the advantage of playing a game. The Rangers, who played all underclassmen, beat Santa Paula, 48-0.
Camarillo (1-0) vs. Bishop Diego (1-0), La Playa Stadium, 7 p.m. — Another slugfest between Camino League teams. Bishop pounded out a 13-7 win over league foe St. Bonaventure in the opener. Camarillo unleashed a potent attack in a 42-19 win against Hueneme. This game will feature two big lines and a pair of young, talented receivers: Bishop’s 6-3, 220-pound junior Sam Mikaele and Camarillo’s 6-3. 190-pound sophomore Jack Maulhardt.
— Noozhawk sports editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.