Gonzales-Soledad football

Friday's game
Gonzales (0-3) at Soledad (1-2), 7:30 p.m.
 The bye week couldn't have come at a better time for the Spartans, who were down two quarterbacks and limited in practice because of so many injuries.
 Already sporting a thin roster, with several players going both ways, Gonzales has spent a lot of time on defense this season, allowing 52 points a game.
 The reigning Mission Trail Athletic League tri-champion Aztecs have relied on their defense this fall while the offense was searching for its identity.
 While the defense did its job last week with a pick six, it appears the search is over offensively as Emmanuel Ortega went over 100 yards rushing for the first time last week.
 Quarterback Andy Hernandez is getting more comfortable behind center, trusting an offensive line that includes Daniel Contawe and Andrew Hernandez.
 The first quarter has been a thorn in Gonzales' side as it has been outscored 47-0. Soledad has not allowed a point in the third quarter all year.
 Payton Flores has been a bright spot offensively for Gonzales with 19 catches for 304 yards and two touchdowns.
 The Spartans will look better when Jose Espinosa can move back to receiver after being forced to play quarterback out of necessity two weeks ago.
 The Aztecs have won seven straight games over Gonzales, scoring 40 or more points in five of those wins.