Redwoods-MPC football

Saturday's game
Redwoods (0-0) at Monterey Peninsula (0-0) 1 p.m.
 The return of quarterback Hunter Raquet after a redshirt season at Fresno State has only heightened expectations for the Lobos offense.
 As a freshmen in 2017 at MPC, Raquet threw for nearly 2,500 yards, finishing eighth in the state in touchdown passes with 23, leading the team to a Golden Coast Conference title.
 While the Lobos averaged 37 points a game in a 5-5 season in 2018, it's a brand new set of receivers adjusting to the cannon like arm Raquet possesses.
 Defense decided the outcome last year between the two teams when an 88-yard pick six lifted MPC to a 41-34 road win.
 Last year Redwoods did produce over 500 yards in total offense. The Lobos also had over 100 yards in penalties in last year's meeting, stalling several offensive drives.
 The return of linebacker Zachary Nobmann and his 73 tackles provides some stability on defense for MPC. But this is a youthful group, led by Palma grad and freshman lineman Michael Lizaola.
 A defensive assistant coach for Redwoods is former Salinas High linebacker Kyle Martorella, who played at Humboldt State.
 The last three meetings between the two teams have come down to a touchdown or less, including overtime in 2016. The Lobos have won the last five meetings with Redwoods.