The Shoe

 For the 13th consecutive year, the annual battle for 'The Shoe' means more than a coveted 50 plus year old bronze plaque.
 While Pacific Grove already has a share of the Mission Trail Athletic League title, Carmel can own a piece of it as well with a win on Friday.
 Last year the Breakers snapped a six game losing streak to Carmel to complete an undefeated league season, capture the title and 'The Shoe'.
 Two of three remain at stake this year for Pacific Grove.
 Dating back to last year, Pacific Grove has won 13 straight MTAL games and is 17-0 in the regular season against teams in the Central Coast Section.
 For the first time since 2006, the Padres are coming into the rivalry game with a league loss, falling to Soledad two weeks.
 While Carmel rebounded with a 45-35 win at King City, taking care of the ball has been a thorn in its side recently.
 Three turnovers in the first quarter last Friday grounded the offense. Earlier this season, the Padres were guilty of six turnovers in a game.
 An offense geared around an up-tempo passing attack had a change of pace in the win over King City with two running backs going over 100 yards.
 In fact, for the first time in eight years, Carmel has gone two straight games without throwing a touchdown pass.
 Injuries have not derailed Pacific Grove's run at a second straight title. Defense continues to create opportunities for an offense that sees a different player rise to the occasion each week.