Soledad-Independence football

Central Coast Section Division IV

Saturday's game

No. 8 Soledad (3-7) vs. No. 1 Independence (10-0) at Pacific Grove, 1 p.m.

 So did the extra week off benefit or hurt the Aztecs?

 When you're healthy and riding a three-game winning streak, my guess is Soledad wanted to keep playing.

 Yet, you could present the same question to Independence, who hasn't tasted defeat all year.
 Because the air quality remains unhealthy in the San Jose area, the game will be moved to Pacific Grove for a 1 p.m. kickoff.

 On the plus side, the Aztecs got an extra week to watch film of Independence, who averaged over 40 points a game in going 10-0.

 This is the same venue where Soledad won the programs first Central Coast Section Division VI title in 2016, which only adds to the confidence

 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.

 If an opportunist defense can continue to create a couple of turnovers and provide a short field for the offense, stranger occurrences have happened in the postseason.