Soledad-Carmel football

Soledad (5-3) at Carmel (7-1), Saturday, 2 p.m.
 The Aztecs are 5-1 since an 0-2 start. And while a playoff spot is at stake, so too could be a share of the Mission Trail Athletic League title against the unbeaten Padres.
 While Carmel sports the most explosive offense in the MTAL, an argument can be made that the Aztecs have the best defense in the league.
 The Padres are averaging 47.8 points through eight games - 53.5 in five league games. Despite slow starts in two of their last three games, they have outscored opponents 91-13 in the first quarter.
 Sophomore Connor Marden is completing over 70 percent of his passes for Carmel. He's on pace for a 2,100 yard passing season while Holden Smith is over 1,000 rushing yards.
 Soledad could get a boast with the return of Jeremiah Murrillo, who had 800 rushing yards in four games before getting hurt. The Aztecs are a balanced attack with the passing game.