Palma-Alvarez football

Friday's game
Palma (1-3) at Alvarez (2-2), 7:30 p.m.
 The Chieftains don't have an identity on offense right now. Outscored 35-0 in the second half last week by Aptos hasn't happened in 35 years.
 Alvarez is also struggling offensively. After scoring 72 points in its first two wins, it has mustered just seven points in its two setbacks.
 Palma has never dropped two Gabilan Division games in a season. The Eagles have never beaten the Chieftains.
 Getting Anthony Villegas going is critical. When he was effective running the ball in the first half against Aptos, the Chieftains controlled the game.
 Teams are moving the ball against Palma, who has given up 35 or more points in all three losses, and 119 points in four games.
 The Chieftains didn't allow an opponent more than 30 points in their last 13 games last year and gave up 149 points in 10 regular season games -- 52 coming in their opener.
 Keeping quarterback Matt Martinez on the field is critical for the Eagles. He has been forced out of the last two games for various reasons.
 Martinez gives the Eagles a presence in the passing game, with Isaiah Coria being his primary target. That in turn keeps opponents from stacking the box in an attempt to stop Michael Ramirez.