North Salinas-Monte Vista football

Friday's game
North Salinas (4-4) at Monte Vista (3-5), 7:30 p.m. 
 A win locks up one of the three automatic playoff spots from the Mission Division for the Mustangs, who are just one game out of first to unbeaten Carmel.
 Monte Vista didn't do itself any favors in traveling to southern California last week for a non-league game against Monrovia, falling 55-28, dropping to 0-4 in non-league games.
 Two of the Mustangs non-league losses this fall have come from two teams a combined 16-0, while another is 6-2.
 Two of North Salinas' losses this year have come late in the fourth quarter. Essentially it's two stops from being 6-2.
 But it's not. As result, the Vikings would have to run the table and hope for enough points to get into the postseason party.
 Elijah Washington has had moments behind center for North Salinas with his arm and legs, running 52 yards for a touchdown last week.
 North Salinas matches up well with the Mustangs size in the trenches. Washington is more effective throwing the ball when Matt Morales and Joe Zazueta are grinding on the ground.