Monterey Bay Prep Report Article

Friday's Games

Hollister (4-2) At Salinas (4-1-1)

Game Time:	7:30	Location:	The "PIT"
Last Year
The Hollister defense posted a 32-0 shutout, limiting Salinas to just 60 total yards of offense. The Balers scored in every quarter, highlighted by an early 3rd quarter 51 yard Nick Buzzetta to Brandon Almaguer touchdown pass.
Notes

The Balers roll into the "PIT" ranked #12 in the CCS by the San Jose Mercury; the Salinas Cowboys are currently ranked #7. There is much at stake for both teams. Hollister must win all of its remaining games to keep its D1 playoff hopes alive. Salinas still entertains MBL title hopes, but with the tie to Alvarez placing the them two behind league leader Palma in the win column, the Cowboys need some help..

Alvarez (5-0-1) At Gilroy (5-1)

Game Time:	7:30	Location:	Gilroy High
Last Year
Alvarez kept the potent Gilroy offense off of the scoreboard until late in the 4th quarter, registering a 27-9 victory at home in Salinas.
Notes

Both teams come into Friday's contest ranked among the top teams in the CCS - the San Jose Mercury has Alvarez ranked #5, and Gilroy ranked #9. Gilroy faced exactly the same situation last year. The Mustangs rolled to a 5-0 start, only to be upended by Palma and Alvarez in back-to-back games. After rolling to a 5-0 start this season, Gilroy was again upended by Palma, and must face Alvarez this week.

Live Oak (2-4) At Alisal (1-5)

Game Time:	7:30	Location:	Alisal High
Last Year
Live Oak racked up 404 rushing yards in a 56-0 abusing of Alisal. Six different Acorn players scored touchdowns in the romp, with Donnie Murphy rushing for 88 yards and two touchdowns on just 8 carries. On the defensive side of the ball, Live Oak limited Alisal to 81 yards of total offense. Live Oak was forced to punt just once in the contest.
Notes

This game should not be a repeat of last years blowout. Live Oak has struggled offensively this season, and Alisal has been playing improved football, snapping that infamous losing streak earlier in the year against Monterey. Although surrendering a lot of yards on the ground, the hard-hitting Alisal defense has forced 14 turnovers, 4th best in the area.

North County (2-4) At Palma (6-0)

Game Time:	7:30	Location:	Salinas Sports Complex
Last Year
Palma cruised to a 52-20 victory in a rare MBL air show that featured six touchdown passes. Three of Palma quarterback Luis Amaral's seven completions went for touchdowns, while Condor quarterback Joey Holmes threw for 195 yards and three touchdowns. Palma running back Justin Cambier bolted for an exciting 62 yard touchdown run as time expired in the first half.
Notes

Palma comes into play ranked #2 in the CCS by the San Jose Mercury, and #8 overall in Northern California by Cal-Hi sports. North County's 2-4 record is somewhat deceiving, with strong Condor defensive showings against Gilroy, Salinas and Alvarez. The Condor's now face the area's stingiest defense, as Palma has surrendered only 62 points all season. North County comes in to the contest having scored only 6 points this year in the first half.

Seaside (3-2-1) At Pacific Grove (5-1)

Game Time:	7:30	Location:	Breaker Stadium
Last Year
In a battle of 7-0 teams, Seaside shattered any Pacific Grove dreams of an undefeated season with a 31-0 Breaker whitewashing. The Seaside defense clamped down on the vaunted Pacific Grove air attack, limiting Breaker quarterback Jon Grant to 5 completions and forcing 2 interceptions. Seaside quarterback Anthony Garnett threw for 191 yards and a touchdown.
Notes

It is a bit of role reversal this year, as the senior-laden Breakers host a young Seaside squad. The Spartans face a Pacific Grove run defense (1493 yards rushing allowed) this that is the most porous in the area. The Breaker defense will get a big boost with the return of starting middle linebacker Trevor Howell, who suffered a broken wrist in the first game of the season. Seaside still has its playoff destiny in its own hands. With consecutive games against league leaders Pacific Grove and Carmel, a Spartan sweep would make a second place finish in the MTAL very likely.

Soledad (2-4) At Gonzales (1-5)

Game Time:	7:00	Location:	Dick Force Stadium
Last Year
A 90 yard Erick Salto kickoff return highlighted a 21-17 Soledad victory over Gonzales. Jesse Rodriguez punched in two early Aztec scores with touchdown runs of 15 and 1 yard.
Notes

Both teams bring 1-2 league records into this game. With two league losses to co-leader's Carmel and Pacific Grove, Soledad 's playoff hopes are dim. A preseason favorite to challenge for the MTAL title, the Aztecs have been able to move the ball on offense, but 18 turnovers have hampered scoring opportunities. Touchdown returns on Soledad turnovers directly contributed to two close losses to Gunderson and Carmel.

Greenfield (1-4) At King City (1-4-1)

Game Time:	7:30	Location:	King City High
Last Year
King City running back Ray DeHoyas scored all three Mustang touchdowns in a 21-7 victory over Greenfield. DeHoyas started the game off with a bang, bursting for a 58 yard touchdown run less than one minute into the game. DeHoyas finished the night with 91 yards rushing on 12 carries.
Notes

If it weren't for the recent addition of Greenfield High, all of the players in this Friday night's game would be suited up in Mustang uniforms. But anyone familiar with south Monterey County understands the intense civic rivalries between King City, Greenfield, Soledad and Gonzales. There may not be an MTAL title or playoff berth at stake, but a lot of pride and south valley bragging rights are on the line in this game.

Saturday's Games

Stevenson (3-3) At Carmel (5-0)

Game Time:	2:00	Location:	Carmel High
Last Year
Stevenson handed Carmel their worst loss of the season, a lopsided 48-0 pasting in front of a large partisan Pirate crowd. Wes Connors exploded for 160 yards and 3 touchdowns, as Stevenson rolled up 407 total yards of offense.
Notes

With all of the passes likely filling the Carmel skies Saturday, the MTAL may have to declare a no-fly zone around the Padre football stadium. Stevenson and Carmel quarterbacks Chris Jackson and Pat Johnston have combined for 248 pass attempts, 1715 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes. Turnovers have plagued the Stevenson passing game, with 10 interceptions stalling the Pirate passing attack. Padre running back Toby McLeod come into the game as the area's #3 rusher, with 586 yards and 9 touchdowns on 97 carries.

North Salinas (1-5) At Monterey (0-6)

Game Time:	2:00	Location:	Monterey High
Last Year
After falling behind 16-0, North Salinas rallied for the lead in the 3rd quarter, and eventually broke open a close game with two 4th quarter touchdowns, holding on to beat Monterey 39-22. Viking Justin Pascone rushed for 100 yards and 3 touchdowns, while quarterback Matt McKinstry enjoyed one of the best night's of his career, throwing for 136 yards and 3 touchdowns
Notes

It is not unheard of for .500 teams to make the playoffs coming out of the rugged MBL, and the Vikings have a realistic shot of clawing to 5-5 by the end of the season. The combined records of North Salinas' next 3 opponents is just 3-15. A season ending rivalry game with Salinas High may be North High's biggest obstacle to that magical .500 number.