Thursday, August 16, 2018

Prep Football Games to Watch (Week 1)


Here's a look at two of the most intriguing matchups of the upcoming opening week.


#2 Torrey Pines Falcons at #9 Eastlake Titans

Series History

First Meeting: 2004 - Torrey Pines 17, Eastlake 0
Previous Meeting: 2012 - Eastlake 28, Torrey Pines 10 (D-I Playoffs)
Eastlake leads All-Time Series 3-1

Breakdown

After a 14-season stint as the Titans' head coach (which includes two section titles), John McFadden decided to step down following the 2013 season. Five years later, he regains his position and will look to continue the winning tradition he helped build.

The new McFadden era begins this opening week with what should be a challenging visit from Torrey Pines, who is seeking its third-straight Open Division playoff berth. The Falcons return 11 starters from last year's team that missed out on the title game by three points.

Led by senior run stopper Joshua McCurty, Eastlake boasts a highly touted defense. They'll be tasked with trying to shutdown the Falcons' Wing-T attack operated by quarterback Jason Heine, two-way standout Mac Bingham at fullback, and left tackle Brian Driscoll leading the big guys up front.

Last season's leading passer Daniel Amon transferred to Helix, so the Titans will be looking to sophomore Richie Colmonero to lead their offense. Returning tailback Roman Coe racked up 860 yards and eight touchdowns in 2017.

Tale of the Tape




#3 Cathedral Catholic Dons at #6 La Costa Canyon Mavericks

Series History

First-ever meeting.

Breakdown

Mavericks head coach Sean Sovacool enters his ninth season looking to bounce back from a promising 2017 campaign that ended in the Open Division quarterfinal. He'll enter the new season with a stacked squad that features 11 returning starters (7 offense, 4 defense).

Headlining that list is senior athlete Karson Lippert, who rushed for 930 yards and 11 touchdowns in only five and a half games. With a second place finish in the 400-meter state finals, Lippert could be one of the fastest football players in California.

Linebacker Austin “Ozzie” Nicholas picked up first-team all-league honors and a 4.0 plus GPA as a sophomore, proving that he can get it done in both the classroom and gridiron.

Assisting Nicholas in what should be a physical and active front seven is lineman Sam Hussin, who had 24 tackles for loss and a team leading 9.5 sacks in 2017.

The offensive line will be anchored by Luka Trifunovic, who started every single game of his junior season. He'll help provide protection for junior Marshal Eucker, who will be the new starting quarterback for the Mavs.

Despite posting its first losing record since 2001 (forfeited 2012 season excluded), Cathedral Catholic slipped into the 2017 Division I playoffs where they fell to Carlsbad in the quarterfinals. With 16 starters returning this year, including a healthy Shawn Poma, the Dons appear primed for another run at a state championship.

Head coach Sean Doyle needs 12 wins to tie former Vista coach Dick Haines as the 10th all-time San Diego section leader in victories.

Tale of the Tape


Sources

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