By John Devine
 SALINAS - Before the first practice in August, Carl Richardson put his future on hold.

 The Salinas quarterback told colleges he wanted to focus on the senior season -- even left an offer on the table from Washington State that was eventually pulled.

 It wasn't so much that Richardson was gambling on himself as it was he wanted to enjoy the moment -- his final run as a high school football player.

 "I didn't worry about what could happen," Richardson said. "The main focus for me coming into the year was whatever it took to win on Friday nights. Playing as a brotherhood really paid off."

 Richardson left his stamp on the Cowboys program, walking out of 'The Pit' as the all-time leader in touchdown passes and yards -- accomplished in just 22 games.

 His single season school record 34 touchdown passes this past year, along with 2,985 passing yards catapulted him to The Herald's Offensive Player of the Year.

 "I've never seen anyone handle pressure the way he does," Salinas coach Steve Zenk said. "And he was under an incredible amount of pressure. He's the best quarterback Salinas has ever had."

 Richardson's 34 touchdown passes, which is the second most in county history behind Carmel's Ken Johnston's 35 in 2008, only enhanced his resume

 UCLA paid him two visits on campus and Boise State flew him in for a visit after the season. Several other Division I programs, including Colorado State and Yale, spoke with Richardson.

 The 6-foot-4 Richardson has planned for this moment. He will graduate at the semester and enroll at the college of his choice to get a jump start on learning a new system.

 "It will be hard leaving early," Richardson said. "These are people that I will remember for the rest of my life. I've grown up with my teammates. But it's a huge advantage to get into spring ball."

 Richardson's decision not to let recruiting distract him during the season enabled him to be a kid on the field -- be just another teammate for the Gabilan Division champions.

 "He wanted to be a great teammate and play for his friends," Zenk said. "I do not know if I would've been that good about it at 17. In fact, I know I wouldn't have."

 Richardson took Salinas into uncharted waters with the programs third straight league title -- the first time in the modern era that the feat had been accomplished in 100 years.

 "He did a good job of remaining humble and keeping the focus on the team and not him," Zenk said. "It was hard to give him a compliment. It was always about his teammates."

 Richardson put together an impressive resume, combining for 41 touchdowns in 11 games this past fall, even catching a touchdown pass.

 During the off-season, he worked on his mechanics with former Patriots quarterback Matt Gutierrez, slightly changing the delivery of  his release, which gave him more velocity and a tighter spiral.

 "He had made some mechanical changes," Richardson said. "I jumped at the opportunity. I had more velocity with the football. He quickened my throwing motion."

 Richardson also got into the weight room over the summer with Salinas' strength coach, adding 15 pounds of muscle to his 205 frame, while improving his speed.

 "The ball just jumped out of his hand," Zenk said. "He made quicker decisions, good decisions. The ball was coming out of his hands a quarter of a second faster than last year."

 Richardson cut his interception total from his junior year in half, while throwing 12 more touchdown passes in one less game.

 "I feel as a quarterback I can make all the throws and extend the plays out of the pocket," Richardson said. "You know what really helped me was basketball."

 Richardson was projected to start this year for the Cowboys basketball team, but informed his coach of his decision to leave school early, not wanting to start a season and not finish it.

 "It would not be fair to my teammates to leave at mid-season," said Richardson, who was among the team leaders in rebounds last year. "That was hard."

 Where Richardson enhanced his stock during the season came with his legs, as he rushed for nearly 400 yards and six touchdowns.

 "It was something he really wanted to improve on," Zenk said. "There were games where we did not want him running the ball. He had some moves. He looked like a real runner."

 It was his arm, though, that lit up the evening sky, promoting college scouts to show up at a handful of games or practices this fall for Salinas.

 Of Richardson 34 touchdown passes this past season, 15 were of 35 yards or longer, as he displayed a nice deep touch with his throws.

 "It's all about the offensive line giving me time to throw and my receivers making plays," insisted the 17-year-old Richardson. "JJ (Chin) and Cade (Smith) made some great catches."

 Brought up as sophomore, Richardson watched Brett Reade take Salinas to a section title. Growing up, he talked about quarterbacks Matt Castaneda and Zach McDermott.

 "To be in the same conversation with those guys is an honor," Richardson said. "I watched all three tear it up. The records are neat. What I'll remember is how close this team was."

 Walking off the field for the final time at 'The Pit' was surreal. It didn't end how Richardson or his teammates envisioned. Turning in uniforms came about three week early.

 "I just looked around, thinking and saying I'm never going to play on this field or with my teammates again," Richardson said. "We put in a ton of work in the off season. I tried to cherish every moment."

 Richardson pondered for a minute a moment that stood out. He thought about the title clinching win in Aptos, the loss to Clovis. Then it became obvious.

 "Beating Palma," said Richardson, whose brother Jack went to Palma. "A fourth quarter comeback. Driving 77 yards at 'The Pit', in front of 4,000 people. You can't write the script any better."

By John Devine

 SEASIDE: The minute the 2018 season ended, Kefu Leander made it a point to make sure his senior season wouldn't have the same dreadful result.

 For those that were coming back this past fall, Leander and some of his teammates wanted to set a different tone, create a new vibe at Seaside, that the effort wasn't acceptable.

 "We hit the weight room the following Monday," Leander said. "We created a different mindset. It was new leadership. I don't know if everyone was locked in my junior year. We learned from it."

 Leander became a disruptive force on both sides of the ball, forcing opponents to design a game plan to avoid the 278-pound defensive tackle at all costs.

 Setting the tone with his ferocious play and pure dominance, Leander was named The Herald's All-County Defensive Player of the Year.
 "No one could handle him," Seaside coach Al Avila said. "No one could block him. He'd put you on your back or knock you off the ball. He dominated both sides of the ball."
 Having transferred to Seaside after sophomore season, Leander had not really hit a weight room or spent much time on developing technique until his arrival.

  "He was like a street baller," Avila said. "No technique. Big and out of shape. He realized he had all this talent and brute strength. But he didn't know what it was like to work and lift."

 Leander was pushing 335 pounds during his junior year. Before the start of his senior season, he had trimmed down to 300 pounds on a 6-foot-2 frame.

 Yet, as the season progressed, Leander dropped 25 more pounds solely on work ethics, gaining more explosiveness while not losing any strength.

 "I wanted to get faster, be more explosive and stay strong at the same time," Leander said. "I pushed myself. I didn't even realize I was that light."

 Opponents did as Leander exploded off the ball, blowing past double teams, stripping an opponent of the inside run.

 "I get off the ball quick and utilize my strength," Leander said. "I got double teamed a lot. I tried to knock them back. I fight with my hands and pull them off."

 The 6 a.m. workouts in the weight room took some time to get used to. It was part of the maturation process for the 17-year-old, who had relied solely on his rare talent and size.

 "I had to come in more hungry," Leander said. "I was not used to getting up that early and working out. Practices were much more intense."

 Leander played with an edge this past season. The determination to erase a 1-9 season never left his mind -- or his teammates.

 "He had to learn structure," Avila said. "We started from the ground up. He didn't know how to work. But he was willing to work. He was sucking wind. But he worked so hard. It was a blessing."

 Leander seldom came off the field during the Spartans march to a share of the Mission Division title. He created havoc for a defense that recorded three shutouts, holding eight teams to 14 points or less.

 Leander's sack numbers don't justify his dominance. He struck fear into quarterbacks when charging towards them, while runners met a wall when running into the Mission Division Player of the Year.

 "I tried not to have in my head that people could not stop me," Leander said. "That's when you slip up. I didn't take any opponent lightly."

 Avila called Leander's first two steps off the ball some of the quickest he's seen in his 30 plus years of coaching at Seaside.

 "He's not just strong and aggressive," Avila said. "He explodes off the ball. He beats opponents off the ball with those first two steps. He has that leverage coming after you."

 And a frame that have colleges eying him. San Jose State brought him up for a visit earlier this month. Hawaii has also expressed interest.

 "In my mind, I have to get better with my technique, with my hand placement," Leander said. "I feel my quickness and strength will continue to get better as time goes on."

 While Leander has his eyes on being a defensive lineman in college, he hasn't ruled out playing on the offensive side if an offer were to come in that direction.

 "I think he's the best offensive lineman in the county," Avila said. "He flat backs people. I see him on the offensive side. He's just a monster on both sides of the ball."

 While clinching the title with an overtime win over Monte Vista was fresh in Leander's mind, beating defending state champion Bishop O'Dowd was a keepsake moment for the program.

 It set the tone for a 9-1 regular season, a complete reversal from a 1-9 season during Leander's junior year. Beating Bishop O'Dowd also provided a rare charge up the hill next to the stadium. 

 "We were so locked in," Leander said. "I remember running up that hill after beating them. We were gassed. It's a tradition. But that only happens on special moments."

Local foot previews

CCS cross country

 Michael Julian will chase an individual title for York while King City and Pacific Grove will renew their rivalry at Saturday's Central Coast Section cross country finals.

 Julian, the Cypress Division champion and overall winner in the Pacific Coast Athletic League, will be the favorite in Division V, having dipped under 16 minutes on the Crystal Springs course.

 The Mustangs will look to repeat the feat as boys champions in Division IV, with Scotts Valley and Pacific Grove in pursuit.

 The core of King City's team, which finished second in the state last fall is back, including Gabilan Division champion Mario Avila. Esteban Deniz and Ricardo Diaz give them a dynamic trio.

 While Pacific Grove fell to the Mustangs in three league Center Meets and at the Gabilan Division finals two weeks ago, it did beat them in an invitational at Crystal Springs.

 Brothers Will and Luke Stefanou are among the elite in Division IV for the Breakers along with Sam Coutts.

 Keep an eye on Mission Division champion Moises Benito of Palma in Division IV, as he ran with the pack at the league finals.

 Gabilan Division girls champion North Salinas is still looking for that meet where everyone hits their stride. 

 Cherling Padilla, Stephanie Lopez and Sofia Camacho all missed parts of the season to injuries. The trio were all in the top 10 at the Gabilan Division finals.

 Pacific Grove's Caroline Coen will chase a state meet spot in Division IV, as will Gabby Torres of Stevenson in Division IV.

Heart and mind on the same page for Torculas
By John Devine
 Her reasons were genuine. Alexia Torculas' heart was in the right place -- letting softball pay for her college fees instead of her parents. It just wasn't a good fit."
 "I thought I was ready and I knew the world," Torculas said. "I wanted to help pay for my education. I thought I could handle everything at once. The fact is it was the other way around."
 One quarter at Southern Oregon - 13 miles past the California border, left Torculas yearning to come home. Yet, before she left and enrolled at MPC, her college coach offered her encouragement.
 "My leaving had nothing to do with the school or the program," Torculas said. "I just was not for me. My coach (Jessica Pistoel) told me when I left to stay in contact and give her updates."
 So when Pistoel left Southern Oregon after winning an NAIA World Series for the University of San Diego this year -- a school Torculas had interest in, she gave her old coach a call.
 A reunion was in order as the power hitting 19-year-old outfielder has a scholarship to play softball in 2021 for the Toreros.
 "I told her I'd love to play for her again," Torculas said. "She said she wanted an impact player on her roster. I learned so much from her in a short time. She's very familiar with my work ethics."
 Torculas' work ethics along with her athletic ability is something MPC coach Keith Berg marveled at the minute she arrived on campus last year.
 "I learned she's a 4.5 tool player," Berg said. "She does more things excellent than not. Her athletic ability and work ethics just keep getting better, and that includes the classroom."
 Berg will get Torculas one more year as she will earn her Associates Arts Degree before transferring next fall to San Diego.
"That's what I wanted," Torculas said. "I can't leave this group. I'm a team captain. I learned a lot here and would like to pass that on and impact the younger players."
 The 5-foot-6 Torculas tore up pitching in the Coast Conference last spring at MPC, leading the team in six different offensive categories, including home runs (10) and runs batted in (40).
 A Notre Dame graduate, Torculas also scored 57 runs, had 57 hits, 14 doubles, 13 stolen bases, 28 walks, and hit .422 in helping MPC win 34 games.
 "She is one of the best athletes to come through MPC in any sport," said Berg, a former Division I softball coach. "I saw her as a Division I player. But I knew for her it didn't have to be that."
 The Toreros play in the West Coast Conference, which includes Santa Clara, St. Mary's, Pepperdine, Gonzaga and Brigham Young University among the 10 schools in the conference.
 "Her priority is education," Berg said. "It just worked out that she found a spot that she likes that will give her both."
 Torculas never focused solely on softball in high school, competing in soccer and water polo at Notre Dame, earning the Monterey Bay League's Goalie of the Year in soccer.
 "So many kids play 100 plus softball games a year in high school," Torculas said. "There is all this pressure to get a scholarship. It burns you out."
 Torculas was headed in that direction until she tore her MCL as a sophomore, and missed the entire season.
 "I thought there goes my scholarship chances," Torculas said. "That's a big recruiting year. Instead, it might have been the best thing to happen to me. I was burnt out. I needed a break."
 The time off rejuvenated Toruclas' love for the sport. The enjoyment of softball had returned under her terms.
 "I've never cared about awards," Torculas said. "I knew my value and skill set. No one could ever question my work ethics."
 Returning home last fall enabled Torculas to take a deep breath. The pressure was gone. So where the expectations. Playing softball last spring at MPC felt different.
 "I was playing purely for the enjoyment of the game," Torculas said. "High school is more cut throat because kids are chasing scholarships. I was able to learn about myself and develop at MPC."
 Torculas' game at the plate went to another level. She was 11th in the state in home runs with a .500 plus on base percentage. She reached base in 36 of the Lobos 40 games last spring.
 "When you have a supportive staff and teammates, it makes a world of difference," Torculas said. "I learned the game inside and out from coaches prospective. He's given me a new love for the game."
 Not only did Torculas tear up pitching, but she evolved into one of the better outfielders in the state, with a cannon for an arm.
 "About the only thing she had to work on was throwing from the outfield," Berg said.
 A year older and more sure of her decision, Torculas doesn't look back and dwell. She does not even call it a mistake. Rather a lesson in life.
 "Going to Southern Oregon was a learning lesson," Torculas said. "I got to learn what I really want. Some of it was maturing. I've grown a lot more than I could have ever imagined in a year."

By John Devine

 CARMEL: The next four weeks are expected to be an indoctrination -- facing programs that have 'A' league titles, Open division section titles and twice the number of players in their programs.

 From a physicality standpoint, Carmel doesn't match up. Execution and conditioning, however, do count on a football field -- not to mention the huge chip on its shoulders.

 The Padres do play well at home, and that is where three of the next four games will occur, starting Saturday when it hosts defending Open Division III champion Aptos.

 "We just need to be able to match up with them for one day," Carmel coach Golden Anderson said. "Most of the teams in this division have played each other. We're kind of the unknown."

 What is well documented -- and part of the reason the Padres are in the Gabilan -- is an offense that has torched opponents since Anderson took the job 10 years ago.

 Carmel comes into the meeting averaging 48 points a game this season, including a Gabilan Division opening 48-34 win at Christopher.

 The Padres have chalked over 500 yards in total offense in their last three games -- one of which was a loss at Templeton.

 "We take what a defense gives us," Anderson said. "The games we've been able to run the ball, we've had the most success. We have use our strengths against their weaknesses."

 After dropping its first two non-league games by a total of five points to two teams out of the section that are combined 10-2, Aptos was impressive in a 21-point win over Sacred Heart Cathedral.

 Yet, last week the Mariners were physically outplayed in the first three quarters, staring at a 16-point deficit before falling 22-14 to San Benito.

 "We know how good that program is," Anderson said. "It's battle tested. Look a the teams it played in the preseason. We're facing the defending CCS Division III champions."

 The Mariners have the most section titles among teams in the Pacific Coast Athletic League over the last five years with four, falling to eventual state champion McClymonds in last years 4AA playoffs.

 While the two teams haven't played since 2005, their is some familiarity between them, as Aptos has taken part in the Carmel's 7-on-7 Passing Tournament over the summer the last four years.

 "We're familiar with them from afar," Anderson said. "They score throwing the ball. But Aptos hands the ball to a bunch of different guys with different formations and run the clock."

 The Mariners don't give opponents time to make defensive calls, running up to the line of scrimmage out of the huddle and snapping the ball.

 Last season Aptos rushed for nearly 5,000 yards in 14 games. Its ability to control the ball in the past has limited opponents' possessions.

 "People make the mistake of looking at them and thinking Aptos isn't that big," Anderson said. "It is an extremely physical that looks strong and in shape. They play the game really well."

 The same argument can be made about Carmel, who has never had a lot of size in the trenches, but has worn teams down with an up-tempo, well-executed attack that gasses opponents.

 "A lot of different guys have contributed," Anderson said. "Which is key. I think we have distributed the ball. Our quarterback is making good decisions and getting the ball to the guy hat open."

 Anderson was referring to quarterback Kai Lee, who has thrown for 1,245 yards and 11 touchdowns, with no interceptions in 98 attempts this fall.

 "He's taking care of the ball," Anderson said. "He hasn't been sacked in the last two games. A lot of our lineman are learning on the job. We need to play to improve. They're keeping him upright."

 Lee has utilized five different receivers this season, including Benicio Cristafalo and J.T. Byrne, who have each caught three touchdown passes for the Padres.

 In addition tailback Dakota Mornhinweg is a viable threat as a receiver, having been on the receiving end of three of Lee's touchdown passes this fall.

 Mornhinweg was a receiver when he transferred to Carmel as a sophomore, becoming a tailback out of need at the time.

 "He can play all the receiver spots," Anderson said. "We try and move him around. When you spread the ball, teams can gang up on one person."

 Mornhinweg has proven to be of value as a runner as well, rushing for 2,481 yards, while scoring 44 touchdowns in 23 career games. Carmel is 21-2 in those game.

 "Everyone' goal is to control the line of scrimmage," Anderson said. "We have to attack teams where we can. We feel we are as prepared as we can be, that we've put a good game plan together."

 That includes a much maligned defense, which is allowing 36 points game this fall. Over the last two games, a majority of those points have come after Carmel built a three-touchdown lead.

 "We've been more consistent and not in spurts on defense," Anderson said. "Before we looked like an EKG monitor. We've played better in longer stretches. Sometimes you play the clock with a big lead."

 Byrne and Amir Brown have helped solidify the front seven while Lavar Edwards, Mornhinweg are solid in the secondary.
 "We don't care about the yards we give up," Anderson said. "We're just trying to get stops. With our numbers, a lot of our guys are forced to go both ways. That is where conditioning comes in. Even in our loss, the other team was gassed. We just ran out of time."

By John Devine

 TEMPE: Not since donning the Berkeley blue uniform in 1974 has Herm Edwards watched a game at Cal's Memorial Stadium.
 Nearly 45 years later, Edwards returns to where his collegiate career as a football player began, this time as a coach on Friday on the opposite sidelines for Arizona State.
 Two of the biggest early season surprises in the Pac 12 are in the spotlight under the lights tonight at Cal's historic venue.
 "I took my girls and wife up there to speak to the team when Jarod Goff was a senior," Edwards said. "We walked around the campus. But I haven't seen a game since my junior year at Cal."
 As nostalgic as his return will feel, it is memories more than emotion that Edwards will feel when he walks into Memorial Stadium.
 "It was the Pac 8 back then," Edwards said. "That's what you watched all the time on television. Cal recruited me as a junior at Monterey. I wanted to play in the Rose Bowl."
 Cal went 7-3-1 and was ranked 19th in the nation during Edwards' junior year. The roster included quarterback Steve Bartkowski and running back Chuck Muncie.
 "We were pretty good," said Edwards, who went on to play in the NFL for the Eagles for nine years, where his 33 interceptions remains No. 2 all time in franchise history.
 Much like that Bears team from 45 years ago, the 2019 version is ranked 15th in the nation with its 4-0 start, which includes road wins at Washington and Ole Miss.
 "What gets your attention is what Cal has done on the road," Edwards said. "Coach Wilcox has done nice job in rebuilding that program. The quarterback is starting to find himself in that offense."
 Edwards was referring Chase Garbers, who has thrown for 835 yards and seven touchdowns for the Bears, while adding over 200 yards on ground.
 "The quarterback makes a lot of plays outside the pocket," Edwards said. "Cal likes to get you going with shifts and motions. Sometimes it runs two tight ends. It's going to attack your coverage."
 Arizona State's hot start was tempered last week when it feel from the unbeaten ranks, falling 34-31 to 3-1 Colorado -- and out of the Top 25.
 "We were humming along in the first three games," Edwards said. "Colorado jumped on us early. We missed some opportunities defensively to get off the field. Some of that is the maturation process."
 Edwards has one of the youngest teams in the Pac 12, if not the nation, as 74 players on his roster are either freshmen or sophomores.
 "We have 28 freshmen that are playing," Edwards said. "Sometimes understanding moments in the game gets away from you. We feel in a year from now we'll be much better off."
 The expectation is defense will dictate the tempo Friday. Cal has allowed 69 points this fall while the Sun Devils have allowed just 21 points in their three wins.
 "This is a game where you have to be careful with the ball on offense," Edwards said. "You have to realize a field goal is OK. This could be similar to Michigan State."
 Edwards was referring to the Sun Devils 10-7 win at Michigan State two weeks ago, their first road win over a ranked team in five years.
 "We have to be more patient on offense this week," Edwards said. "Don't put yourself in a position to where you're turning the ball over. Cal does a great of not letting you score."
 The Sun Devils may have found their offensive identity out of necessity last week when it they found themselves in 14-0 hole to Colorado.
 Freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels, 18, is coming off a 345 yard passing effort, having thrown for 1,073 yards and five touchdowns this fall, with one pick in 102 attempts.
 "He's multi-dimensional," Edwards said. "He can run and make some plays with his legs. He has a lot of poise for being 18. He's good a good demeanor. And he can throw the football."
 Despite a roster littered with teenagers, expectations haven't been tamed, particularly after playing in a bowl game last year and jumping out to a 3-0 start this fall.
 "We have to learn how to handle success," Edward said. "With each game we're growing up. We've been in position to win four games, We won three.  They see the opportunity. They understand it. You prepare each week to win. It's always about now. This conference is wide open."

By John Devine

 SALINAS: Adrenaline in the veins flows a little faster this week. As music blares from one practice facility, a sense of urgency hovers over another.

 Rivalry games are just a little spicier when two teams are equally talented, sit less than a quarter mile apart, and are chasing visions that others can only attempt to emulate.

 "We didn't circle this game on our calender," Palma coach Jeff Carnazzo said. "But I would be lying if I said it's not different."

 That's because Salinas has become an equal to the Chieftains, who visit 'The Pit' on Friday in both teams' Gabilan Division opener.

 Reigning co-champions from last year, the Cowboys have done something no other county program has been able to do in 35 years and that's beat Palma two straight years.

 "Yeah, it makes the game bigger because Salinas has beaten us twice," Carnazzo said. "There is more of a sense of urgency for us. It's a big game in our minds."

 Prior to the Cowboys two-game winning streak over their nemesis, Palma had rattled 14 consecutive wins.

 "It's a neighborhood game," Salinas coach Steve Zenk said. "It has to be the biggest game. Sure it is a big deal. Most of these kids grew up together. I went Palma, started my coaching career there."

 Zenk didn't know if he had 64 players or 64 rock stars at a recent practice, as his desire to play music during practices lightens the mood, bringing our slew of different voice tones.

 "I felt like we had one of our best practices last Monday," Zenk said. "Our kids are pretty good about keeping level headed. We've established goals in keeping the focus on us."

 Having won the last two games has coincided with Salinas capturing or sharing the last two Gabilan Division titles in Zenk's first two years. No longer is beating Palma hovering above them.

 "I couldn't tell you if the pressure has subsided," Zenk said. "No one is talking about Palma. We are doing what we're suppose to do."

 And that's piling up points at 'The Pit', where Salinas have produced 116 points in a pair of wins over Milpitas and North Salinas. 

 "You have a quarterback over there that's a dual threat," Carnazzo said. "He accurate and gets rid of he ball quickly."

 Carnazzo was speaking about Carl Richardson, who has thrown over 900 yards and 11 touchdowns i the Cowboys first three games, while rushing for 128 yards and three touchdowns.

 Last week Richardson completed 14 straight passes, putting the ball in the air 42 times in the first half against Milpitas for over 300 yards. 

  "I would've done the same thing with the defense Milpitas was in," Carnazzo said. "Salinas is pretty good at taking what the defense gives them."

 Carnazzo, who coached Richardson's older brother Jack at Palma, watched the younger Richardson throw for 378 yards and two touchdowns in Salinas' 24-14 win last fall.

 "You want to keep him in the pocket," Carnazzo said. "Carl does a nice job of stepping up and taking off. We have a cluster of things we will use to attempt to contain him.''

 Richardson has a slew receivers that Palma must keeps tabs on, with Austin Villaneuva evolving as a deep threat with 12 catches for 204 yards and a team high four touchdowns.

 Yet, while Richardson is the focal point for Palma's defensive game plan, the Cowboys emphasis will be on slowing down tailback Anthony Villegas.

 The senior has racked up 608 yards and 10 touchdown in three games for Palma, including 282 yards in the opener against Mitty.

 "That is who Palma is," Zenk said. "Anthony is an exceptional back that does a great job in finishing his runs. Palma is big and physical up front. I like the way Palma plays as a spectator."

 Last year Villegas ran for 125 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Salinas, but was bottled up most of the second half.

 "Just as we're talking about Carl, Salinas is talking about Anthony," Carnazzo said. "He's going to be a key for us. We're a lot more seasoned in a lot of areas accept the quarterback position."

 A position of importance for Palma, who makes it no secret that despite having arguably one of the best tailbacks in the section, it needs to be more balanced in its offense.

  Sophomore Luke Rossi won the starting job before the Chieftains season opener. Slowly Carnazzo has taken the training wheels off with his signal caller.

 "Our quarterback is getting more comfortable with the position," Carnazzo said. "To win these type of games, you have to throw the ball to be successful."

 With a bye last week, Carnazzo spent the last two weeks working with Rossi on his accuracy and movement in the pocket.

 "We have to take advantage of teams that load the box," Carnazzo said. "We have three receivers that we need to get the ball to."

 That would include Micah Olivas, who caught 28 passes for 783 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. While he's caught just six passes this year, the senior is averaging 23 yards a reception.

 "It's high school football," Zenk said. "You have to stop their best people and that's putting your best people in position to make the plays."

 Prior to the bye week, the Chieftains were riding a wave of emotion with road wins at Sacred Heart Cathedral and Oakdale.

 "I have mixed feelings about the bye," Carnazzo said. "We had momentum going. But we faced three tough non-league games. We took advantage of the extra week and went back to fundamentals."

 For all the offense both teams generate, both teams have playmakers on defense. Joey Moag has a pick six for Salinas while Brent Eastman produced 17 tackles on one game for Palma.

 "Palma does a good job of flying to the football," Zenk said. "They're physical. I think they do a good job of tackling. Most teams don't."

 Limiting possessions starts with being able to move the ball and grind the clock. All signs do point to a potential shootout.

 "I hope not," Carnazzo said. We want to limit their touches. Bu we have to remain true to who we are. We're an up tempo team and that's getting to the line getting our plays run."

By John Devine
 MONTEREY: His gut told him to go for two. Yet, Henry Lusk wavered on a decision and elected to play for the tie with four minutes left.
 "I'm thinking we have not stopped them all night," the Monterey football coach said. "If we get the two-point conversation, perhaps we put a little pressure on them."
 The Toreadores didn't get either Friday when the extra point attempt hit the cross bar, leaving them down by a point in a 36-35 setback to Monte Vista at Monterey Peninsula College.
 "We can score at will," Lusk said. "We are just having trouble stopping people. That's just what it is. We have got get this figured out real quick."
 Particularly with the biggest game of the year on the horizon as the Toreadores will face Seaside next Friday at MPC in the Battle of the Bay.
 Seaside remained the only undefeated team in the county at 5-0 after a 28-14 win over North Salinas on Friday.
 "The we have been playing defense, it's going to be a problem," Lusk said. "We have to get together and fix it and figure it out. I don't know what the answer is yet. But we have to have one."
 One area that is no longer of concern is at quarterback after Josh Elmore looked sharp in his return after suffering what was first diagnosed two weeks ago as a broken right throwing hand.
 A second X-ray earlier in the week determined that his hand was not broken after the swelling went down, clearing him to play.
 The senior came out throwing, tossing a pair of touchdowns while running for one, helping Monterey come back from three 14-plus point deficits in the game.
 "He had a very good game," Lusk said. "He displayed leadership. Josh made some big throws in the second half and got us back in the game. He showed poise."
 Trailing by 15 in the fourth quarter, Elmore engineered two scoring drives, connecting with Nate De La Rios and Jackson Ortiz for touchdowns to get them to within a point.
 "He's playing through some pain," said Lusk of Elmore. "But Josh said I'm good to go. We tested it well in practice. He threw the ball nicely."
 While there were four minutes left in the game, Monterey's offense never got back on the field as the Mustangs drove down to the 1-yard line before taking a knee.
 "We had a chance to get the ball back on a third down, but couldn't get a stop," Lusk said. "Monte Vista ran it at us all night. We couldn't stop it. We have to make some changes."
 At this stage of the season, the personnel for the Toreadores isn't going to change. So Lusk will look to move some players around in hopes of fixing glaring weaknesses on defense.
 "I do believe we can fix this," Lusk said. "We have to fix it. We've given up more points in two of our last three games than in my entire coaching career."
 Visions of last year's postseason game with Monte Vista might have crossed the minds of both teams when Toreadores put on another late fourth rally.
 Last year Monterey used a late touchdown from Elmore to beat the Mustangs 15-10 in the Division V playoffs. This time the late game dramatics came up a point short.
 The Toreadores (3-3), who never led in the game, spotted Monte Vista 14 points before Stevie Bull plowed his way in for his first touchdown of the season.
  Endanger of going into halftime down by 14, Jaiden Russell's 15-yard touchdown run got Monterey to within seven at the half.
 The momentum generated from the late touchdown was erased when the Mustangs came out and scored to build a 15-point lead.
 Ironically Monterey went for two in the fourth quarter with success to get to within seven of the Mustangs, who are 4-1 and 2-0 in the Mission Division.

Al Avila, Seaside

 MONTEREY: Anxiety develops from the week long buzz, as hype and an electric atmosphere flood the campus halls.

 Or at least it did in the past.

 That won't be the case this fall in the 57th annual Battle of the Bay,as both schools are out this week for fall break. And that's a concern for the head football coaches at both Seaside and Monterey.

 "I don't like it," Seaside coach Al Avila said. "I don't know how the atmosphere will be. As far as the spirit leading up to the game, it will be different. We're not in school."

 The past has seen an adrenaline rush that grows to unforeseen levels on both campus', often forcing coaches to calm down their players.

 "Fall break in general takes you out of your rhythm," Monterey coach Henry Lusk said. "It may help the kids stay focused. But you're missing that buzz around campus."

 Thanks to a game winning field goal in last year's battle, the Toreadores hold a 28-27-1 series lead in the series -- arguably the most intense among players, some of which live next to each other.

 "Who ever made this schedule doesn't respect the rivalry," Avila said. "It was put together for what ever was easy for them, We're in the same league. It easily could have been the last game."

 Because the Spartans and Monterey were in different divisions last year, the game was held earlier in the year. The results dictated both teams' seasons.

 Seaside never fully recovered in finishing 1-9, while the Toreadores won more games than they had the previous three years combined in finishing 10-2.

 "We've never lead in the series," said Avila, who has been a part of the series as a player and coach for four decades. "Practices are a little more intense this week. But you don't want to play your best game in practice."

 Despite injuries eating away at the Spartans, they are the only undefeated team left in the county at 5-0 -- which includes a win over reigning state champion Bishop O'Dowd.

 "We've played Marin Catholic," Lusk said. "We know what the next level looks like. Seaside plays hard. It has some players that are difference makers. So do we. It's a matter of who shows up."

 The Spartans have been hit hard with injuries at the skilled positions, as tailback Bubba Quenga is likely out for the year with a broken collar bone.

 In addition, Treyvon Campbell, who splits time in the backfield with Quenga, left last weeks game with a ankle sprain. Between them is nearly 800 yards rushing.

 "We were down to our fourth back last week," Avila said. "Sure it is a concern. But that's OK. It is next man up. We played a lot of backups against North Salinas and the kids played well."

 The return of quarterback Josh Elmore last week ignited a Monterey offense, which produced 35 points in a one-point loss to Monte Vista, falling to 3-3 overall.

 Erase the Marin Catholic debacle and the Toreadores are averaging over 35 points a game with the senior quarterback in the lineup.

 "Offense isn't our problem," Lusk said. "Our problem is we haven't been able to stop opponents. As a staff, we need to see what we can do to get better."

 In grading two of the Toreadores last three losses on film, it didn't take long for Lusk to figure out what are his teams defensive deficiencies.

 "It's tackling," Lusk said. "We can't stand there and watch one guy try and make a tackle. You have 11 guys on the field. That's something that can be fixed. We need to play technique football."

 Having dropped three of its last four after a 2-0 start, the Toreadores are trying to correct mistakes in the biggest game of the season -- not just from a rivalry standpoint, but from a league prospective.

 Monterey sits just one game behind Seaside in the Mission Division. Two league losses would be crippling in chasing a second straight divisional title.

 "It certainly could help decide a league title," Lusk said. "It's a pride thing. But one game isn't going to dictate our season. We just want to figure out a way to win this."

 The Toreadores clearly have a tremendous amount of speed at the skilled positions, with half of the track teams state qualifying 400 relay team flanking the outside.

 When given time to throw, Elmore has picked about defenses, having thrown 10 touchdown passes to his receivers, which include Jaiden Russell and Hendrick Lusk.

 "It's an athletic and fast group," Avila said. "You have to contain that speed on the outside. You have to put pressure on the quarterback. He's dangerous. We have to rise to the occasion."

 Seaside has seen this type of speed before in Bishop O'Dowd, and held its offense to seven points in the programs biggest win since capturing a CCS title in 2009.

 The Spartans defense has been filthy all year behind 308 pound lineman Kefu Leander and Tevita Kamitoni.

 "Those two guys are really special," Avila said. "Not just on defense, but offense as well. Those are two of the best lineman in the county. I'll challenge anyone in the CCS to see who is better."

 Help is on the way as 6-foot-6 lineman James Milovale is expected back to create havoc as a pass rusher for Seaside, who has allowed four touchdowns on defense all year.

 "Our lines are our strength," Avila said. "But we have to get better at so many different things. We have been misfiring on offense. We've been our own worst enemy."

 Avila was speaking about seven touchdowns called back this year because of penalties, a trend that has continued throughout the season.

 "I call that stupid aggressiveness," Avila said. "We consistently shoot ourselves in the foot. We can not continue to do that if we want to get to where we want to be."

 Lusk believes a challenging preseason has helped prepare Monterey for a game of this magnitude. Now it's about rising to the occasion on one of the biggest stages.

 It hasn't faced a defense this dominating since Marin Catholic, who shut out the Toreadores -- a first since Lusk arrived as the head coach.

 "We know Seaside likes to shoot the gaps and let their kids go," Lusk said. "It's our job as coaches to figure out how to slow them down. Discipline and execution solves a lot of issues."

By John Devine
MONTEREY: Deja Vu.
 Pandemonium once again covered the field in the 58th Battle of the Bay.
 This time is was Seaside rejoicing with emotion and even tears, as Bryan Sandoval kicked a 36-yard field goal with two seconds left Friday to beat Monterey 23-20 at MPC.
 "Surreal," Sandoval said. "Right now I'm just feeling excitement and love for my team. I'm thankful for the moment."
 Last season the roles were reversed when Sandoval's cousin Tony Barragan sent the Toreadores into a state of hysteria with a game winning field goal as time expired in the 29-26 win.
  After the game the graduated Barragan found his cousin surrounded around a crowd of new fans on the field and embraced him.
 "He just told me it was a good kick," Sandoval said. "All I remembered coming into the game was his kick. We both did this for our cousin, who passed away last year."
 As a result, the series is now tied a 28-28-1.
 "If you bought a ticket, you got your monies worth," Monterey coach Henry Lusk said. "Same exact ending as last year. This time we were on the wrong end."
  Ironically both celebrations have occurred on the visitors sidelines at MPC, where the teams have alternated sides the last three years.
 "We will build off this game," Lusk said.
 Seaside will rejoice, taking home the perpetual trophy that accompanies the winning team, as well as improving to 6-0.
 "I just pray for another day," Sandoval said.
 During the team dinner on the eve of the game, Sandoval said the team watched a video of the 2004 game, which ended with Juan Carlos Cabrera kicking a game winning field goal as time expired.
 "It's been on my mind the entire day," Sandoval said. "That and my cousins kick. In mind, I had been preparing for this moment the entire game."
 So when the opportunity presented itself, Sandoval might have been the calmest guy on the field.
 "No nerves," Sandoval said. "This is what we work on in practice. I knew it was going in before the snap."
 Lusk had other ideas.
 "I was thinking overtime," Lusk said. "Didn't happen."
 The Toreadores have dropped their last two game by a total of four points, and their last three games by a total of seven points.
 "You can't have seven jumping off sides penalties," Lusk said. "Stuff like that is ridiculous. The kids weren't watching the ball. It's something we can fix. But it was costly tonight."
 Despite the mistakes, Monterey ran off 13 straight points on the strength of quarterback Josh Elmore in the second half to tie the game at 20.
 Elmore, who returned last week when it was determined that he didn't break his right throwing hand, had a touchdown run, and hit Hendrick Lusk on a 40-yard scoring strike.
 With all the momentum, the Toreadores defense created a turnover with an interception, giving the ball back to the offense, which got into field goal position with four minutes left.
 But when the kick went wide, Seaside had life back on its sidelines. It went back to the ground game to chewed up the clock, setting the stage for Sandoval's heroics.
 "I was just trying to beat Monterey," Sandoval said.
 With its starting quarterback and tailback out for the season with injuries, Seaside turned to its fourth back in Rusty Finona.
 A demon on defense, Finona blew through a hole on the second offensive play and took off 68 yards for a touchdown to stake the Spartans to an early lead.
 Playing with some desperation, Monterey (3-4) answered when Elmore hit Jaiden Russell across the middle, where the sprinter eluded tacklers to get into the end zone.
 "We made some adjustments on defense," Lusk said. "I thought our defense responded. I think our kids realize if we put this together, we can be special. Right know this is where we're at."

By John Devine
 PACIFIC GROVE: A bye week last week. Fall break this week.
 Needless to say, Pacific Grove's rhythm has been disrupted over the last two weeks.
 While the time off enabled the Breakers to heel up, it wasn't necessary welcomed -- not when you're playing your best football, and co-leading Stevenson awaits on Saturday.
 "It's a weird dynamic," Pacific Grove coach Chris Morgan said. "We are not in school this week. We didn't play last week. We had some momentum. Sometimes you like to keep that going."
 Momentum is something the Pirates have established with their first four game winning streak since 2000 -- the same season the program won their first and only league title.
 "I don't know if the kids understand the ramifications," Stevenson coach Kyle Cassamas said. "I have worked extremely hard to build this culture. Hopefully we're able to write a different script."
 Cassamas was referring to last fall's non-league meeting with Pacific Grove, in which Stevenson was shutout 26-0.
 This time the stakes are a little higher as both teams are in the Santa Lucia Division, and undefeated at 2-0.
 "One thing that didn't sit well with me is last year is our performance," Cassamas said. "It hasn't left my memory bank, or those that are back. They physically attacked us last year."
 With their four game winning streak, the Pirates have already equaled last year's entire win total. The defense, anchored by Darnell Adler and Ian Murdock, have not allowed a point in three games.
 "We have been the road warriors," Cassamas said. "We've walked into everyone's house and played with a chip on our shoulder."
  In part because the Pirates haven't had a home game this year because renovations to their field were not complete until Thursday, when the team held its first practice in preparation for its home opener.
 "We haven't practiced on a field with ash marks all year," said Cassamas, a former collegiate middle linebacker. "It's been a whole new challenge. I've had to wear my teachers hat."
 Morgan has had his medical bag in hand. Twice the Breakers have finished games with 19 players, as injuries have saddled them at critical positions.
 Yet, Pacific Grove is coming off its two best offensive games of the season, averaging 43.5 points in two league games.
 With quarterback Ben Minik having missed the last two games with a back injury, the Breakers put the ball in the air one time in their last game, and that was called back because of a penalty.
 "They have three running backs that know how to move the pile," Cassamas said. "The offensive line works their tails off. They're driving people down the field. It will be a physical test.''
 Blake Moore is coming off a 168-yard rushing effort for Pacific Grove, while Parker McAnally got into the act with a season high 72 yards. Don't discount Anthony DaSilva and his 400 plus yards.
 "If we can control the clock, take some drives down field and score, it also limits their possessions," Morgan said. "It's been a winning combination for a long time in football."
 While injuries have limited the Breaker offense, they are undefeated when putting the ball in the air less than five times a game -- winless they go over that number.
 "We want to get them out of their comfort zone, put them in situations where they have to throw the ball," Cassamas said. "We can't let them dictate the tempo of the game."
 Balance has been the theme offensively for Stevenson, where quarterback Dylan Santos has thrown for nearly 800 yards while rushing for four touchdowns.
 Santos has a pair of targets that warrant paying attention to in sophomore Evan Johnson and Connor Cosand, who have six of the teams seven receiving touchdowns.
 "The quarterback is doing a nice job getting the ball to his receivers," Morgan said. "He's dangerous with his feet. When you're able to distribute the and be balanced, it makes it hard to defend them."
 The balance Morgan was referring to included Stevenson tailback Tyler Olson, who has rushed for over 100 yards three times this year, and shares the team lead in rushing touchdowns with four.
 "He brings a lot to the table," Cassamas said. "He can change the game for us in multiple ways. Not just on offense, but on special teams."
 With the two schools separated by 3.4 miles, the buildup is a little more intense, especially with the potential for a league title at stake.
 "There's been a lot of talk about it deciding a title," Morgan said. "Both of us have put ourselves in a position to control our own destiny. We haven't earned anything yet. That's what makes this game so important."

Gabilan Division Center Meet
At Toro Park (3.00 miles)
Boys team results
1. King City 34; 2. Pacific Grove 41; 3. San Benito 76; 4. Alisal 98; 5. Salinas 110; 6. Greenfield 139; 7. Carmel 186.
Individual results
1. Will Stefanou (Pacific Grove) 16:01; 2. Mario Avila (King City) 16:01; 3. Ricardo Diaz (King City) 16:05; 4. Jose Velazquez (Alisal) 16:17; 5. Luke Stefanou (Pacific Grove) 16:27; 6. Thomas Jameson (Pacific Grove) 16:30; 7. Esteban Deniz (King City) 16:30; 8. Isaac Gutierrez (San Benito) 16:33; 9. Josh Riley (King City) 16:36; 10. Sam Coutts (Pacific Grove) 16:42.

Girls team results
1. North Salinas 59; 2. Gilroy 68; 3. San Benito 69; 4. Salinas 91; 5. Alisal 97; 6. Carmel 113; 7. North County 161.
Individual results.
1. Lauren Okamoto (San Benito) 19:36; 2. Sofia Camacho (North Salinas) 19:36; 3. Cherling Padilla (North Salinas) 19:51; 4. Stephanie Lopez (North Salinas) 20:00; 5. Anahi Rosas (Alisal) 20:18; 6. Vianey Garcia (Gilroy) 20:28; 7. Cynthia Tena (San Benito) 20:30; 8. Marina Hobson (Carmel) 20:41; 9. Andrea Cornelio (Alisal) 21:03; 10. Andrea Villegas (North County) 21:10.


Mission Division Center Meet
At Toro Park (3.00 miles)
Boys team results
1. Palma 51; 2. Alvarez 91; 3. Marina 98; 4. North County 108; 5. Monte Vista 120; 6. Gilroy 123; 7. North Salinas 169; 8. Soledad 177; 9. Watsonville 222; 10. Seaside 257.
Individual results
1. Nicholas Guzman (Gilroy) 15:55; 2. Moises Benito (Palma) 16:23; 3. Carlos Espinoza (Soledad) 16:28; 4. Andrew Bachman (Monte Vista) 16:39; 5. Benjy Altamirano (Palma) 16:40; 6. Steven Garcia (Alvarez) 16:41; 7. Thomas Lundy (Palma) 16:51; 8. Damian Rivas (Watsonville) 16:53; 9. Jinghao Wang (Monte Vista) 16:58; 10. Arrell Caio (North County) 17:06.

Girls team results
1. Seaside 62; 2. Alvarez 63; 3. Greenfield 81; 4. Notre Dame 112; 5. Soledad 118; 6. King City 135; 7. Marina 153.
Individual results
1. Layla Ruiz (Watsonville) 18:50; 2. Valerie Cervantez (Alvarez) 20:25; 3. Caelan Gilliam (Monte Vista) 20:33; 4. Roselyn Olivo (Alvarez) 20:38; 5. Gladis Garcia (Greenfield) 20:43; 6. Estefania Montiel (Soledad) 21:26; 7. Patricia Santos (Seaside) 21:27; 8. Monica Flores (Seaside) 21:28; 9. Maria Garcia (Greenfield) 21:37; 10. Briana Lomeli (Notre Dame) 21:45.

By John Devine
 SALINAS: There was a sense of anxiety and emotion, not to mention pride all wrapped into one.
 The stakes will run much higher in two weeks when team titles and survival become the objective for runners.
 That didn't keep the nervous tension from oozing through the veins at Wednesday's Gabilan Division and Mission Division Center Meets at Toro Park.
 "You're looking for some faith in yourself," Pacific Grove distance ace Will Stefanou said. "The meet has a different feel. You're paying more attention to your rivals."
 In this case, that would be King City, who claimed its third Gabilan Division Center Meet of the year with a narrow 34-41 decision over the Breakers.
 "We wanted to rewind where we left off last year," said Ricardo Diaz, who finished third overall for the Mustangs.
 Diaz was referring to King City's charge last fall at the league finals at Toro, which ended with them capturing a section title and finishing fourth at the State Division IV finals.
 "I just saw it as a flashback to last year," said teammate Mario Avila, who finished in second behind Stefanou with identical times of 16:01 over a revised three mile course.
 Redemption was also on the minds of King City, who was beaten by the Breakers at a meet last week in Crystal Springs, the site of this year's Central Coast Section finals.
 "We wanted to remind them that we're still here," Diaz said. "Last week was a wake up call. We were shocked. We didn't expect it. We're not where we need to be."
 Neither is North Salinas. Yet, its girls program has become the team to beat in the Gabilan Division after a 59-68 decision over runner-up Gilroy.
 Injuries in the off-season have slowed the progress of several elite runners, including Stefanou, who was in a cast with a stress fracture over the summer.
 When the senior crossed the finish line, out-leaning Avila, he showed the human side of him when he yelled 'yes'.
 "I didn't realize I did that," Stefanou said. "My goal all season has been to just keep working up. I did not have a base for training coming into the season."
 Stefanou, who was fourth at the second center meet, appears to have his stamina back, as well as his speed, out kicking Avila for individual honors.
 "Sure it was a confidence builder," Stefanou said. "But we have team goals as well. We have to keep working. We're not there yet."
 While Stefanou appears to be hitting his stride, King City's Esteban Deniz is still on mend, finishing seventh overall, behind Avila and Diaz.
 "He's coming along," said Avila, who ran 30 seconds than his previous best at Toro, despite taking a run turn. "It's not about duplicating what we did last year. It's one step at a time."
 North Salinas, who won the Mission Division girls title last season, wasn't even in discussions for a team title when the season started.
 Injuries to Sofia Camacho and Cherling Padilla left them without their top two runners for most of the season.
 "This was just my second meet," said Camacho, who was nipped at the tape by Lauren Okamoto of San Benito for individual honors. "I'm not in shape."
 Camacho ran with heart, clocking 19:36, a few strides in front of Padilla, who was taking part in just her third meet of the season.
 "It was more about just run your race," said Padilla, who was battling cold. "What are we capable of? Push yourself."
 Of course, targeting a certain colored jersey was also the objective, which was one reason Camacho was disappointed after her race.
 "I actually felt good today," Camacho said. "I just couldn't quite finish. The legs aren't there yet. We talked about getting points. This will serve as motivation for me."
 The Vikings had three runners in the top five, with Stephanie Lopez placing fourth, as the defending Mission Division champions take aim at a Gabilan crown.
 "I was worried that I wouldn't be able to run this year," Padilla said. "You have a deeper appreciation for something when it's taken away from you."
 Palma appears to be gaining momentum going into the Mission Division finals, doubling its score from the previous Center Meet.
 "There was no pressure on us," Moises Benito said. "We treated it like a practice. That will definitely change in two weeks. We won't doing an eight mile run before the meet.
 Benito was the second finisher in Mission Division in 16:23, a mark that was more than 30 seconds faster than his time at least year's league finals. Teammate Benjy Altamirano was fifth.
 "I felt very good," Benito said. "I felt stronger at the end of the race. The team goal is to get to state. That's what we're training for."
 The Mission Division girls is shaping up into a three-game battle after Seaside edged Alvarez 62-63. Greenfield, who won the second Center Meet, was third
 While the Spartans didn't have a runner in the top five, Patricia Santos and Monica Flores finished seventh and eighth respectively.


Monterey football
Nailbitting losses mounting for Monterey
 Two heartbreaking late game setbacks in succession. Two more loses in the last month by a total of four points.
 The Toreadores could be, maybe should be 7-1.
 Yet, that's not reality. Instead, Monterey sits at 3-5, with league title hopes dashed and the likelihood of a return trip to the postseason squashed.
 There's no pattern in Monterey's change in direction after a 2-0 start.
 It failed to hold a 21 point lead in one game, battled back from a pair double digits deficits to give themselves a chance.
 Falling to Soledad last Friday might have been more crippling than falling in the final two seconds to Seaside two weeks.
 The Toreadores were beaten in the fourth quarter at their own game and that's big plays, allowing a 51-yard touchdown run and a 50-yard option pass to a wide open receiver.
 Discipline has been preached all season. It hasn't been there. Mental mistakes continue to haunt the Toreadores in big moments.
 No doubt, these are learning moments for a roster with just a handful of seniors. There are still some bad habits from the past that need to be cleaned up.
 Perhaps success came too fast last year for Monterey, who won more games in a smaller division than it had the previous three years.
 Don't point to the humbling loss to Marin Catholic as a turning point. Yes, Monterey probably had no business facing the Northern California powers.
 But that's how you learn. The Toreadores came out the following week and built a 21-point lead over Pitman, only to see it disappear in a stunning loss.
 If you're going to point to a game, that was the turning point in the season. Confidence was shaken. It hasn't recovered.
 The final two games of the season are all about next season. For the core that coming back, restoring that confidence is critical.

Greenfield football
New visions for Greenfield
 Flying under the radar limits the expectations from the outside. Inside, the Bruins have never stopped believing in their abilities.
 Having won three of its last four games, Greenfield has put itself in the conversation of -- dare I say title talk.
 A league title has never happened in the programs 20 years. A winning season has been established in eight years.
 Yet, with two games left in the season, the Bruins are in uncharted waters. Instead of talking about next season, the conversation is 'why not us now'.
 Part of the surge following a winless non-league season has been health. Greenfield's offensive line has been intact the last two weeks for the first time since Week 1.
 And tailback Antonio Chiquito has recovered from a high ankle sprain that limited him to 10 carries over a stretch of four games.
 In his last two games, Chiquito has rushed for over 100 yards. He had 97 on the teams first drive in  last Friday's win over Marina.
 This is still a work on progress. The offense is far from perfected. It's on the job training. Yet, seeing Greenfield execute a methodical, yet effective game plan creates a vision.
 A sense of trust has been established. There's a sense of excitement and enjoyment of the game on the sidelines. That in itself has altered the direction in the program.

Palma football
Chieftains getting their playmakers more invovled
 Experimenting under game conditions has its risks. Than again, you can't wait until the postseason to open up the playbook in the fourth quarter.
 The Chieftains have been down this road in the past. And the results haven't gone well.
 As dynamic as Anthony Villegas is each time he touches the ball -- 175 yards on just 17 carries last Friday, the level of play intensives in the playoffs.
 For Villegas to be effective and for Palma to go deep into the postseason, it has to be more balanced with its offense. And it should with the receiver core it possesses.
 Opponents are already stacking the box, with an big emphasis on putting as many hats on Villegas as possible.
 Tossing three interceptions in the first half was not the objective. Nor was it letting Christopher get back into the game, albeit briefly.
 Progress, though, was made. And perhaps confidence is developing as two different quarterbacks for the Chieftains tossed touchdown passes.
 Palma is too talented at the receiver position to just have playmakers sitting out there and blocking on every play.
 If the Chieftains have visions of playing into December, they have to utilize all of their athletes and force defenses to respect their passing game.
 Villegas has been a beast this year with 1,189 yards in just six games, having scored 21 of the teams 29 touchdowns. A ground game chews up the clock and keeps a defense fresh.
 Seldom, though, do you see 80-yard drives in two minutes with the game on the line strictly on the ground.



By John Devine
 PEBBLE BEACH: There's a pattern here.
 One that has Pacific Grove sitting alone in first place.
 The Breakers are undefeated when producing 30 or more points, and that trended continued Saturday in a 38-27 win at Stevenson.
 The win put a damper on Stevenson's inaugural football game on its renovated stadium and state of the art brand new synthetic field.
 Pacific Grove also ended the Pirates four-game winning streak, knocking them from the undefeated ranks in the Santa Lucia Division.
 With three games left in league play, the Breakers are in control of their fate in chasing the programs first league title since 2015.
 "That's what we talked about earlier in the week," Pacific Grove coach Chris Morgan said. "If gives you a leg up on the rest of the season. We have to continue to get better and not take it for granted."
Blake Moore has been arguably the best player in the Santa Lucia Division over the last three games, scoring three more touchdowns, giving the senior 12 in three games.
Moore also went over 100 yards rushing for the third straight game -- all wins for Pacific Grove, who has improved in the win column for the third consecutive season.
 "He's getting better at reading his blocks and finding little seams," Morgan said. "The line gives him a hole and away he goes. We're finding a variety of ways to get him the ball."
 Moore is part of a three-headed backfield that includes Anthony DaSilva, who went over 100 yards on the ground and Parker McAnally, who give them a threat to the outside.
 "It makes it hard for defenses to focus on just one individual," Morgan said. "The offensive line has been awesome. We have a few seniors that have been in the system."
 The Breakers jumped out to a 17-0 lead before with points on their first three possessions. Ben Minik returned behind center and had a 1-yard touchdown run and scoring pass to Aiden Roland.
 Minik, who missed the last two weeks with a back injury, accounted for a pair of touchdowns and a big interception in the fourth quarter for Pacific Grove.
 McAnally helped set up the game first touchdown with a 75-yard kickoff return to open the game for the Breakers.
 "That set the tone," Morgan said. "Coming off a bye and with us being out of school this week and playing on Saturday, my fear was we'd be out of rhtyem. The boys responded."
 Moore had touchdown runs of 4, 20 and 7 yards in the first three quarters for Pacific Grove, the third giving them a 38-21 cushion.
 Stevenson got to within 11 points in the fourth quarter when Dylan Santos found Evan Johnson for the second time in the game for a touchdown.
 "We tried to limit No. 3 (Johnson's) touches," Morgan said. "He made plays. Our defense bent, but did not break. We didn't give up a big play. And we made big plays when we needed to."
 That included Mink's pick in the fourth quarter, and Zach Armas' interception late in the game to seal the Breakers win.
 "Stevenson made some plays, which made the game exciting," Morgan said. "
 In addition to tossing two touchdowns, Santos called his own number on a 1-yard quarterback sneak in the second quarter.
 Tyler Olson had the first kickoff return for a touchdown in the new field, with a school record 100 yard return.


By John Devine
 CARMEL: In between weighing scholarship offers from Colorado State and Fresno State in the last eight days, Carl Richardson found some time to fling the football.
 The Salinas quarterback tossed five more touchdown passes Saturday, leading the defending Gabilan Division champions to a 55-31 win over host Carmel.
 "He makes the read and throws to the open target," Salinas coach Steve Zenk said. "We don't have a primarily receiver. It's what teams give us."
 Richardson, who had Washington State visiting him on campus last week, has received offers in the last week by Colorado State and Fresno State.
 In addition, UCLA is expected to come down and watch him play in two weeks when Salinas visits Aptos.
 "I bet there will be a few more offers in the month," Zenk said.
 In seven games, Richardson has thrown for over 2,200 yards and 26 touchdowns, leaving three shy of tying the single season school record for touchdown passes.
 Talk of redemption from last year's season opening loss to Carmel never surfaced during practice this past week for the Cowboys.
 "We don't get into that negative emotion," Zenk said. "We're not looking for revenge. I want them to play for each other. This is a different season, a different group of players."
 The Cowboys, who are 18-1 in the Gabilan Division since Zenk took the job, let Richardson feed his receivers, jumping out to a 17-0 lead.
 The 6-foot-5 senior quarterback connected with Austin Villanueva and Landon Laporte for a pair of touchdowns apiece, and found Jeff Shaffer for six.
 With an emphasis on running the ball, Shaffer nearly equaled is season total in one game, piling up 226 rushing yards for Salinas, while adding 80 yards on receptions.
 "It's a tough schedule," Carmel coach Golden Anderson said. "We have 32 players working yard. It's not like we're playing bad. We're just playing teams a little better at this point."
 The Padres were forced into the Gabilan Division this season after winning the Mission Division and reaching the Central Coast Section Division V finals.
 In their last three games, they've given up 96 points.
"We have to coach smarter and put these kids in a better position to succeed," Anderson said. "I'm not concerned about the scoreboard. Our focus is on how we're playing."
 Carmel (3-4, 1-3) was forced to play the entire second half without quarterback Kai Lee, who left the game for an undisclosed injury in the second quarter.
 In his absence, J.T. Byrne tossed touchdown passes to Nico Staehle and Lavar Edwards. The junior also rushed for a touchdown. Elle Bohlman also kicked a field goal.
 "We did a good job of keeping Carmel in front of us on defense," Zenk said. "We were able to get a lot of kids in the game in the second half."
 The Cowboys jumped out to a 48-14 halftime lead, getting a defensive touchdown when Jeremiah Bank picked up a fumble and returned it for six points.

 The Pacific Coast Athletic League isn't the only league in the Central Coast Section with equity issues in football.
 The Gabilan Division has been a problem since its inception. It is proven fact that teams forced into the upper division after success in a lower division have seen their numbers decline.
 And while we've seen programs like Alvarez, Seaside, Monte Vista and Monterey hold their one for a year, it not sustainable long term.
 Ultimately, the numbers in the programs shrink. No one likes being a punching bat for the Big Four. 
 I know this makes too much sense. Yet, I'm going to throw it out there anyway.
 Why not merge the Gabilan Division with Santa Clara Valley's De Anza Division, who is having similar issues with the lack of balance.
 The Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League merged with the PCAL for football only. Why couldn't you add the De Anza Division.
 Don't preach road trips to San Jose. It would amount to two a year. Palma went to San Francisco this year while Salinas took roadie to Fresno. Monterey is headed to Fairfield and Turlock next year.
 Here is sample with this year records what a merger could look like.
Gabilan A
 Salinas 6-1
 Palma 5-2.
 San Benito 5-2
 Aptos 4-3
 Wilcox 6-2
 Los Gatos 7-1
 Palo Alto 5-2
 Mountain View 6-1

Gabilan B
 Alvarez 3-4
 Carmel 3-4
 Christopher 0-7
 Santa Clara 4-4
 Milpitas 1-6
 Fremont 1-6
 *Seaside 7-0
 *Monte Vista 6-1
*Note: Seaside and Monte Vista are in the Mission Division this year. Gilroy has no business in the Gabilan Division.

 No question we have equity in the Mission, Cypress and Santa Lucia Divisions. But we'll never have balance in the Gabilan Division under the current format. Never.
 You can't compete in an upper 'A' Division with the likes of Aptos, Palma, Salinas and San Benito without depth or lineman. It's that simple.
 This could solve a lot of problems, recreate interest in the problems struggling with their numbers and pump some life into a sport in decline -- a sport that supports all the other problems on campus.


Otters a work in progress on the hardwood
By John Devine
 SEASIDE: Part of the culture change is getting the personnel to subscribe to your beliefs. That part of the rebuilding process has been executed.
 The next objective for CSU Monterey Bay men's basketball coach Isaac Williams is getting them to believe -- in themselves in big moments.
 "The thing you fight when you have lost as much as we have is the mentality of winning," Williams said. "We've lost a lot of games because it's never occurred to them we should have won."
 Williams was speaking about eight games last season that came down to one or two possessions that the Otters came up short on.
 The result created the worse season since the Otters program moved to Division II in 2003, finishing with just two wins.
 "I know this sounds weird," Williams said. "But I really enjoyed last year. Games days were hard for obvious reasons. But I was excited about how the kids bought into the culture."
 Some of the obstacles in CSUMB's path were unpredictable. Injuries decimated the roster, leaving it difficult to conduct practices. Five freshman were often on the floor at once.
 "There were moments where I couldn't have been more prouder," Williams said. "No matter how bad it was, the kids understood the process. We're getting the program going in the direction we want."
 As Williams begins his third season at CSUMB, growing pains are still part of the game plan as nine new players will join a roster that showcases just three seniors.
 The difference this year for Williams is the culture he's created has been established. Now it is more about execution on the court and ridding the program of its losing habits.
 "We've had some tough seasons," senior Jahvon Johnson said. "But if you come and watch, we were competitive. It starts with your mindset. It starts with your personal culture away from the court."
 The Otters haven't had a winning season since 2008. Over the last two seasons, they have gone 6-47, finishing last in the conference.
 "When you're small and young, that's a bad combination for this conference," Williams said.
 Before Williams arrived, he had put together a 121-41 resume at Eastern Oregon, averaging 24 wins a year during his five seasons.
 "I've never experienced losing at any level as a player or coach," Williams said. "We got ran over and bullied last year. For those kids to stick together, it showed me we're on the right path."
 Just one player remains from the old regime in Johnson. Williams has rebuilt a roster fit for what he wants to run on both ends of the court, adding youth and collegiate experience in the off season.
 "There's still a decent amount of teaching going on in terms of the system," Williams said. "I can tell you we're bigger and more athletic. Practices have been a lot more competitive."
 Williams addressed an immediate need when he brought in 6-foot-9 transfer Ben Carter, who played in high school in Australia, spending last season at the University of Montana.
 "I tried to recruit him a couple of years ago," Williams said. "He decided to transfer. I would expect him to make a big impact. He's really skilled and is a high IQ player."
 Contributions in the paint last year were minimal at best for CSUMB as both of Williams' posts were injured, playing a combined seven games.
 Not only did the Otters have no presence in the paint, but losing sharpshooter Josh Kollman for two thirds of the season cut into their perimeter game.
 Two years ago as a freshman, the 6-foot-5 Kollman knocked down 77 shots from beyond the 3-point arc for the Otters, leading the conference among freshman in shooting percentage.
 "Losing Josh was tough," Williams said. "Even when he came back, he was never healthy. We were so banged up last year that coaches had to put on jerseys to conduct a practice."
 Carter won't be the only Australian on the roster for the Otters as Koen Sapwell returns for his third season at CSUMB, averaging a team high 12 point a game on 55 3-point goals.
 "Koen is a good friend of Ben's," Williams said. "That made his decision to come here easier. Koen played really well for us in the second half of the season."
 With CSUMB slated to opened its season Nov. 8 in a tournament at Central Washington University, Williams has not settled on a starting lineup.
 "I do not have a set starting lineup as of now," Williams said. "We created a daily depth chart. It has fluctuated, which means it's balanced. If we had a game tonight, I wouldn't know whose starting."
 Which is a big difference from last year, as just three players played in all 27 games, including the sharpshooting Johnson, the lone player that has been in the program for four years.
 "The hope and promise that coach came in with is why I'm still here," Johnson said. "I liked coaches energy and the philosophy he preached. And I like the school."
 Johnson averaged 11.9 points a game last year for the Otters, logging 28 minutes a game, just behind returning point guard Charlie Tooley's 29.2 minutes a night.
 "He has had a tough three years here," Williams said. "He's grown up a lot. He's helped lay down the foundation for the future. It's important for me for him to see some of the fruits of his labor."
 Tooley, who transferred from the University of Nevada last year, was an impact player, averaging 11 points a game, while senior Joseph Bosetti came off the bench, added 9.3 points.
 "One of the things we wanted to do is create depth," Williams said. "We needed more athleticism and size. The returning players can't be comfortable. Players are going to have to fight for time."
 Williams' sale pitch isn't like other coaches. He's not working with the same budget as other schools in the  California Collegiate Athletic Association. And the Otters haven't won in 10 years.
 "It's a tough sell when you have not won a lot," Williams said. "I tell kids if you want an established winner, this isn't the place. If you want to be part of the building of a program, this is the place."
 Williams won't measure his season on wins or losses. His system is in place. There's continuity in the program. Now it's time to focus on the finer details and developing trust in each other.
"Just because things have gone bad, you don't leave," Johnson said. "We have lacked that competitive culture. That's changing. Another reason I stayed is I want to be part of the solution."


"Damion Wilson will guard. There will be depth across the board. We hae more experience,''




By John Devine
SALINAS: His intent was to punt.
 Or was it?
 Faced with a fourth-and-six with time running out in a seven point game, Alisal football coach Cesar Chaidez sent the offense back on the field.
 "Our hope was Seaside would jump offsides," Chaidez said. "If not, we'd take the penalty and punt."
 The Spartans jumped. Fourth-and-one was a no brainer for Chaidez.
 "I'm not going to put the ball back in their hands," Chaidez said.
 Converting enabled the Trojans to run out the clock Friday, securing a 14-7 win over Seaside, ending its bid for perfection in the regular season.
 "It goes back to us keeping our composure," Chaidez sad. "We have talked all season about fighting through adversity and persevering."
 The Spartans, who came into the game undefeated at 7-0, have fallen into a tie for second with Alisal and Soledad at 3-1 in the Mission Division, one game behind Monte Vista.
 All four teams play each other in the final two weeks. Only three are a lock to make the postseason.
 "This win won't mean anything if we don't follow up next week," said Chaidez, whose team will host Monterey next Friday.
 In fact, Chaidez was already preparing to look at film of Monterey later in the evening.
"We'll be breaking down film of Monterey first thing in the morning," Chaidez said.
 Chaidez has been fearless this fall in gambling on fourth down in short yardage situations. This one was the biggest of the season.
 A 14-point cushion was cut to seven with 4:02 left in the game when Jesse Gonzales connected with Jacob Salinas for a 52 yard touchdown pass for Seaside.
 "We anticipated an on-side kick," Chaidez said. "When we recovered it, our best defense became our offense. Our offense is built to grind and run the clock. We converted a pair of first downs."
 Penalties were a thorn in both teams' side as Alisal and the Spartans combined for nearly 300 yards in flags.
 All year, Seaside coach Al Avila has warned his players about being more disciplined, that if it didn't clean up what he called 'stupid aggressive mistakes', it was going to catch up with them.
 "We had a our share as well," Chaidez said. "We reminded the kids to keep their heads in the game and remain focused. Don't have fear of making mistakes."
 Chaidez was a risk taker throughout the game, taking points off the scoreboard in the fourth quarter after Seaside ran into its kicker following a field goal.
 The Trojans put the offense back on the field. The reward outweighed the risk when David Maciel scored to give them a 14-0 lead in the fourth quarter.
 "It goes back to believing in ourselves and believing in the process," Chaidez said. "We've had this playoff mindset since league play started. And it paid dividends tonight."
 Scoreless in the first half, the Trojans came out in the second half and controlled the ball and clock in driving down field, using a 27-yard touchdown run from Ezequiel Rodriguez.
 "High school football is about momentum," Chaidez said. "We felt good about or defense at the half. We told the kids to clamp down on offense and play with confidence."
 The Trojans were able to match the physicality of the Seaside, never swaying from their game plan to attack the interior of its opponent.
 "It became more bout doing our jobs and believing in each other," Chaidez said. "We're so young. It has been a work in progress. We're still working on establishing our own culture."

By John Devine
 PACIFIC GROVE: Closing in on perfection in divisional play isn't complete. And sharing a title isn't the objective.
 Which partly explains the mild celebration Friday for Pacific Grove, who clinched no worse than a share of the Santa Lucia Division title on senior night.
 The Breakers shook off a lackluster start by running off 21 unanswered points in posting a 35-16 win over visiting Greenfield.
 "You can't take anything for granted," Pacific Grove coach Chris Morgan said. "We're not a team that can afford to get complacent. Maybe that's why we were subdued after the game."
 Pacific Grove, who closes the season at Marina, will go into the Central Coast Section playoffs as the Santa Lucia Division representative, where it will be seeded in Division V.
 "You want to go into the postseason with some momentum," Morgan said. "We want to build off of what we've done the last five weeks. Our objective is to get better each week."
  The Breakers, who have improved in the win column three straight years, have won five consecutive games for the first time since 2015 -- the last time it won a league title.
 During its five game winning streak, Pacific Grove is averaging 40 points a game, having outscored its last two opponents 42-0 in the second quarter.
 "It took a little time for us to figure out we had to play football," Morgan said. "Our kids did such a great job tonight."
 With two more rushing touchdowns, Blake Moore has now scored 13 touchdowns -- one on defense -- in five league games for the Breakers.
 Yet, it was a mental mistake by Greenfield that changed the complexion of the game when it failed to convert on fourth-and-two inside its 30-yard line in the second quarter.
 The play did not call for a snap from center. A miscommunication was costly as Daniel Morales was sacked by a swarm Breakers, lead by Max Podell.
 "It gave us great field position," Morgan said. "It was a huge possession. I think everyone was caught off guard that the ball was snapped. Credit the defense for being ready. You have to capitalize on it."
 A handful of plays later, Moore was in the end zone on a 10-yard run, staking the Breakers to a 14-7 lead, a lead it would never relinquish.
 "The was a big momentum swing," said Morgan, who has taken Pacific Grove to the postseason four times.
 As was a missed field goal by Greenfield on its ensuing series. What followed was a Ben Minik to Parker McAnally 75-yard touchdown pass to increase Pacific Grove's lead to 14.
 "We were looking at a couple of things," Morgan said. "Parker can get matchups sometimes where we can get him the ball. We had a matchup that we liked."
 Since returning to the lineup after missing two games with a back injury, Minik has five touchdown passes in his last three games, with no interceptions.
 "He (Minik) opens up a whole dimension to our offense," Morgan said.
 During his absence, the Breakers put the ball in the air one time in two games, and that was called back because of a penalty.
  McAnally was a game breaker for the Breakers, adding a 51-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to give them a 28-10 cushion. He finished with 129 offensive yards.
 Fumbling the ball on its opening possession wasn't the start Morgan envisioned. Nor was Greenfield going on a five plus minute drive, capped by Nate Medina scoring the games first touchdown.
 "Greenfield came to play," Morgan said. "They had us on our heels on that first drive. At that point, it was how do we respond?
 Pacific Grove, who is 18-2 lifetime against the Bruins, turned to Anthony DaSilva and Moore, who took turns running the ball before Moore scored the first of his two touchdowns.
 DaSilva, who rushed for 138 yards, added an 8-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to put Pacific Grove in command.


Izzy Ricardez, Carmel.



Started a defensive specialist,
"When reflecting back, she's a fighter. I put a lot of pressure in tryouts. There she was. After the second day, we brought five back. Only two spots. She beat them out. It's been her MO.

She developed into the players I tought she could be. It was never skill and IQ. IT was alwasy about mentality and maturity. Could she develop those two things? I knew I could count on Emma to fight.

"COnsistnecy is her strength. From my point os view, I want the setter in full control of the offense. She came into her own of accepting the pressure. Put it on me. She makes good decsions. She picked her moments and got a dump as a setter for kills.

5-feet-5.

"Alonah. 
"Honestly one of things we have to win the game whenshe out of rotation. She that big a force at the net defensively. If you're not getting quck sets, she's clamping you down. She had to grow up fast. Sees a sophomore. She became a leaders. Avoid the block at all cost. A lot times we couldn't.



Emma Crabbe.



Chloe Goldman.

"She was being mentories by some great leaders last year,"  Goldman said. "She was one of my captains. She follows directions, doesn't have a attitude. She was a positive voice."


"She nots just tall,. She quick and athletic and jumps well. She ahs very good body control. when she blocks, she blocks you straight now.''

"Her hitting is really good. We mainly set our middles. At times there as a disconnect. She hits over the blocks. She she connects with the ball. there's no chance. She pretty developed for a 6-3.'' The best thing about here is it's never about here. She always put everyone above her.

Alonah Gordon