Little Big Game

 It is an awkward situation for the oldest rivalry game in Monterey County when Gonzales and King City meet Friday in the 91st annual Little Big Game.
 League rivals for nearly nine decades, it's a non-league game for two programs in the middle of their league seasons -- both trying to end lengthy playoff droughts.
 Gonzales is chasing its first league title since 2002, and is off to its best start since the mid 1970's at 6-0 -- the most wins it has achieved since reaching the postseason in 2003.
 The Mustangs have won the last 14 decisions between the two teams that play for a 'Mega Horn' that is covered with scores -- like the Stanley Cup.
 "Obviously the game speaks for itself," Gonzales coach Art Berlanga said. "But win or loss, it has no effect on our league status. But it's a rivalry. It matters to the community."
 So is there more pressure on Gonzales to bring the Mega Horn back to the Spartans campus, along with keeping its bid for perfection going?
 Or is King City feeling anxiety in keeping the streak alive? More importantly, with the division title likely gone, it needs a win to keep its postseason hopes alive.
 Beating a potential league champion does provides more points. If the Mustangs run the table, they would finish 7-3 and have likely played three league champions.
 Three years ago a Gonzales win over King City in the season finale would have catapulted them into the playoffs. Instead, the Mustangs went on the road and beat them 26-16.