San Benito-Palma football

Friday's game
San Benito (6-3) vs. Palma (5-4) at Rabobank, 7:30 p.m.
 Normally these two giants are playing for a league title. That's not the case this year. Instead, it's for third place in the Gabilan Division.
 Yet, points for the postseason are critical. A win could be the difference between a home game and a road trip.
 Palma has resembled a program that has made 33 straight playoff appearances of late, having scored 116 points in its last three games. Prior to that, it had scored just 83 points in its first six games.
 Sophomore tailback Anthony Villegas is coming off a school record 327 yard rushing effort against Seaside, having rushed for 1,182 yards on the season for the Chieftains.
 San Benito snapped a two-game losing streak with a 60-point eruption over North Salinas. Jonathan Gonzalez needs 63 yards to reach 1,000.
 What's critical for the Chieftains is taking better care of the ball. Three turnovers in the first quarter last week -- including a pick six -- put them in a 10-point hole quickly.
 Palma's two-headed quarterback combination has its moments as both offer different skills. Receiver Dominic Scattini is a weapon no matter who is behind center.
 Both teams have league losses to Salinas and Aptos. Two of the last three games between the Balers and Palma have been decided by four points or less.