Soledad-Independence football

Central Coast Section Division IV
Friday's game
No. 8 Soledad (3-7) at No. 1 Independence (10-0), 7 p.m.
 While the Aztecs may not be familiar with the opponent, the facility is the site of where they won the programs first Central Coast Section Division IV title in 2016.
 Independence has beaten seven opponents by at least 27 points, with its average margin of victory in the last four games being 35 points.
 After a well documented 0-7 start, the Aztecs are peaking at the right time with three straight wins to advance to the postseason for the third straight year.
 The 76ers, who have outscored opponents 417-101, are going to put the ball into the hands of Dylan Oliver, who has rushed for over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns.
 Teammate Jonathan Medina has rushed for over 100 yards in five games while quarterback Jordan Ausbie has thrown 17 touchdown passes.
 Gabriel Florez is playing some of his best football behind center for the Aztecs, targeting the likes of Angel Olivas.
 Yet, the strength of the Aztecs' march to the postseason has been a defense that has produced three touchdowns in the last two games, including a 98-yard fumble return last week by Ramon Barragan.
 If an opportunist defense can continue to create a couple turnovers and provide a short field for the Aztecs, stranger occurrences have happened in the postseason.