Gonzales-King City football

Friday's game
Gonzales (1-8) at King City (4-5), 7:30 p.m.
 The oldest rivalry game in the county, now approaching 90 years, has been one-sided of late as the Mustangs have won the last 12 meetings between the two south county rivals.
 While both teams haven't been to the postseason in at least 11 years, this is like a playoff game for the communities, often attracting the largest crowd of the season.
 Erupting for a season high 54 points in last week's win over Marina, King City is trying to build for next year with junior quarterback Tommy Stephens, who has accounted for 21 touchdowns this fall.
 Stephens tossed five touchdown passes last week in less than three quarters, and returned a pick six for a touchdown.
 One of the reasons King City will be missing the playoffs this year is the fourth quarter, where it has been outscored 62-35. The shutout last week was its first in 24 games.
 Expectations were high for the Spartans this season after missing the playoffs last year by one game. Instead, injuries mounted along with the losses, dropping their first seven games.
 Receiver-turned-quarterback Jose Espinosa has filled in admirably well behind center. Having never played the position, the senior has thrown for over 1,000 yards and leads Gonzales in rushing.
 Espinosa has built chemistry with receivers Payton Flores and Jesus Mendoza, as the pair have a combined 45 catches for 998 yards and eight touchdowns.
 Defensively, the Spartans lead the tri-region area in points allowed at 413. In their eight losses, they are allowing 49.8 points a game.