Central Coast Section Open Division I semifinals
Friday's game
Salinas (8-3) at Wilcox (11-0), 7 p.m.
You can make the argument that the Cowboys have had two weeks to prepare, knowing full well that Wilcox was going to be their opponent.
The Chargers aren't 11-0 and seeded No. 1 by accident, opening the postseason with a 60-6 win. Six of their wins have come against playoff opponents, including a 37-6 decision over San Benito.
All that being said, there may not be a more dangerous road opponent than Salinas, who is unbeaten on the road in its last nine games, including last fall's Open Division I title game.
These are two teams with contrasting offensive styles. The Cowboys will put the ball in the air often, as Carl Richardson has thrown for a school record 3,106 yards.
Wilcox grinds with 1,000 yard running backs Paul Rosa and Gabe Herrera. The pair have combined for 29 touchdowns and are averaging over eight yards each time they touch the ball.
Alex Adame is efficient in throwing the ball for the Chargers, as a third of his 45 completions have gone for touchdowns. Rosa has caught 20 passes -- six for touchdowns.
Salinas has had some problems in stopping the run, having given up nearly 1,000 rushing yards in its last three games to run predominate teams. But it's won its last two games.
That same defense, anchored by Sebastian Gomez, Nick Marquez and Cal bound baseball standout Nathan Martorella, have held four teams without a touchdown this year.
Richardson has spread the ball around the field, as five receivers have 30 or more catches. Among them is Ivan Curiel, who has a school record 64 receptions this year.
Curiel shares the team lead with Poe Gaskins in touchdown receptions with five. Gaskins has over 1,000 combined receiving and rushing yards.
Wilcox's defense does have nine interceptions and 23 sacks this year. It has held eight teams to seven points or less this year.
John Devine has been writing about high school sports in Monterey County since, well, practically since he was an athlete at King City in the days just after leather helmets. In PrepNation, John has even more in-depth analysis of the latest results and news he's brought to you in The Herald and in his weekly videos.
Follow Me
The Monterey County Herald reserves the right to edit posts and delete any comments that violate the Terms of Service & Privacy Agreement.
1 comment:
That Wilcox offense runs the Veer extremely well. Almost DLS like ....very quick and disciplined off the ball. They also have two RBs that can take it to the bank and a QB that is also a dangerous passer. They have one huge mismatch at WR. The kid looks like a college player. Tall, big and fast and athletic who also is a lock down corner. Salinas may have some success on offense. Wilcox defense isn't big but are quick and scrappy. Kind of reminds me of Aptos. They are better at pass protection though beating Palo Alto who has a D1 QB prospect. This will be a tough matchup for Salinas defense. If Salinas can contain their offense, it could be a good game. Last season I thought Wilcox line and offense looked really good, but this year they are a level better. I still think Salinas can win but they will have to play mistake free, penalty free ball and good defense.
Post a Comment