Alvarez-Palma football

Friday's game
Alvarez (7-2) vs. Palma (8-1) at Rabobank, 7:30 p.m.
 All of a sudden, this game has significant meaning for both teams.
 A Palma win gives them a share of the Gabilan Division title and a spot in the Open Division, where it will be assured of at least two more games.
 A Chieftain loss, however, likely sends them spiraling down to Division IV, where they would be a heavy favorite in the postseason.
 Alvarez, which has never beaten Palma, could earn a potential No. 1 seed in Division I with a win, as a victory over Palma would move Salinas into the Open Division.
 The Chieftains should have sophomore tailback Emilio Martinez back this week at full strength after he was ill last Friday. He is clearly a difference maker.
 Edric Gamble showed no ill effects of a lingering ankle sprain last week, rushing for over 100 yards while throwing two touchdown passes.
 The senior quarterback has rushed for over 100 yards in his last seven games -- twice over 200 yards for the Eagles.
 Palma continues to be dominant in the second quarter, outscoring opponents 127-14. But last week it failed to score in the second half for the first time all year in a game that didn't have a running clock.