A lot of interesting things happened last week during the Beckman, Foothill and Tustin’s football games.
The Patriots proved me wrong by winning, even though they still struggled offensively and against the pass like I predicted.
The Knights did their part by scoring 55 points – Buena Park missed its PAT – in trying to hit the nail on the head in my prediction there.
The Tillers DeAngelo Townsell went off by scoring five touchdowns, can’t say I predicted that but I did say it would be interesting to see what he could do if given an opportunity – now I guess we know what he can do.
Now its time to take another risk – this wouldn’t be any fun if Josh Diggs and I choose the same teams to win or lose every week.
TUSTIN VS WESTERN
The Tillers (1-2) will host Western (2-0-1) on Friday at Tustin High with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
WHAT TO EXPECT:Two running teams looking break a big play.
Western’s running game – on paper at least – appears to be a mirror image of Tustin. The Pioneers have four different running backs with at least 100-yards rushing and one touchdown.
When two rushing teams collide, the one that can break off a few big runs is the one that usually comes out on top.
KEY TO THE GAME:Tustin needs to hold onto the football.
I’ve been covering the Tillers for three seasons now and I can honestly say that when they don’t fumble the ball they are one of the toughest teams to beat in the county. I know they don’t have the same talent this year that they had last season, but when it comes to moving the chains Tustin Coach Myron Miller is ingenious.
WHO TO WATCH:There could be a new three-headed monster in Tustin’s backfield.
Everyone already knew about Taylor Richardson’s gutsy running style, the explosiveness of Anthony Wilkerson and now Townsell has emerged as a legitimate ball carrier for the Tillers.
Also, it will be interesting to see how Wilkerson’s ankle is doing. I’ve been told that he has looked gimpy at practice and his status will be a game time decision. I know Wilkerson a little and this is one tough kid that will have to be dragged off the field, so don’t be surprised to see him out there on Friday.
PREDICTION:The records and numbers say that Western has to be favored in this game, but my gut says that Tustin is ready to surprise some people.
I think the Tillers smash mouth running attack will make a statement and win this game, 28-21.
FOOTHILL AT EL MODENA
The Knights (3-0) will hit the road again this week to take on El Modena (3-0) at Fred Kelly Stadium with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
WHAT TO EXPECT:An offensive shoot out. Both teams have a high powered offense.
The difference is that the Vanguards depend way too much on running back Ray Holley, 648 yards and 14 total touchdowns, to carry their offense.
The Knights on the other hand spread the work load around – quarterback Chad Miller has passed for 454 yards and scored 12 touchdowns (five passing and seven rushing) while their tailback Michael Camacho has rushed for 438 yards and five TDs.
KEY TO THE GAME:Foothill’s defense needs to make tackles and keep the ball out of El Modena’s Rojer Mujica’s hands.
The only way to stop a good running attack is by not missing tackles. The Knights struggled to do so against Tustin High, but they did create some turnovers that really helped them out.
Foothill’s secondary can’t get caught cheating against the run either because the Vanguards receiver Mujica has caught five touchdown passes this season.
WHO TO WATCH:I’m curious to see what player will get the call when Foothill swings for the fence on its first offensive play of the game.
Michael Clenshaw did it against Tustin – 80 yard touchdown reception – and Julian Jacobson did it against Buena Park – a 27 yard pass to Miller.
The Knights usually try to make a statement with their first play of the game – maybe its time to break out the flea flicker.
PREDICTION:I don’t believe that the Vanguards are as good as advertised, last year they were 3-0 heading into their game against Foothill and then they got smoked 44-14. Look for a repeat performance from the Knights in a 44-21 win.
BECKMAN AT DESERT MIRAGE
The Patriots (2-1) will be on the playing on the road for the first time this season when they take on Desert Mirage (0-4) with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
WHAT TO EXPECT:For Beckman to pad its stats against a bad football team.
Desert Mirage is a new school that was opened up at the same time as Beckman; difference is that its football team is still looking for the programs first victory.
Expect big numbers from everyone across the board.
KEY TO THE GAME:Just give the ball to D’Amato Tyson.
So far this season the Patriots running back has passed, ran and returned a punt for a touchdown. He still has three more things on his to-do-list: catch pass for a TD, return defensive play for a TD and run back a kick off for a TD.
Don’t be surprised if he does all three against Desert Mirage – OK maybe just catch a pass for a TD.
WHO TO WATCH:Defensive end Christian Mejia. This is one kid that really caught my attention at last week’s game.
He really knows how to get through that offensive line and put pressure on the quarterback. According to the Patriots calculations he had four sacks in the game.
PREDICTION:Desert Mirage has been outscored 190-24, so I feel pretty safe in saying that Beckman will win – 35-7.
