Gonzales-Marina football

Friday's game
Gonzales (5-0) vs. Marina (2-3) at MPC, 6 p.m.
 The Mariners have had an extra week to try and clean up their run-defense after giving up over 300 yards two weeks ago.
 It won't get any easier as Marina must deal with Payton Flores, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in the Spartans first five games.
 Quarterback Raul Morales is completing over 60 percent of his passes for Gonzales, having thrown for over 500 yards and seven touchdowns, while Dominic Emery has 14 catches for 292 yards.
 As dynamic as Flores has been on offense for Gonzales - 15 total touchdowns - the senior also shares the team lead with his brother Jayson in interceptions with two.
 In fact, the Spartans defense has produced two touchdowns, with Joel Valdez returning a fumble 92 yards for a touchdown last week.
 Since posting back-to-back shutouts to open the year, Marina has allowed 102 points in three losses, giving up 30 unanswered points after taking a 20-point lead two weeks ago.
 Michael Barrera has been effective behind center for the Mariners, throwing for 652 yards and seven touchdowns.
 More than half of Barrera's completions have gone to Ernie Guevara, who has already shattered the single season school record for catches with 32 for 458 yards.
 Marina's first ever league win in 2012 came against Gonzales.