The Bay Valley Athletic League has begun to take its shape, with Pittsburg knocking Heritage from the ranks of the unbeaten last week. While there is still no clear front-runner, it'll be an interesting set of games this week. Pittsburg and Freedom remain undefeated while Antioch and Heritage look for key wins to keep their chances of alive for winning the BVAL.
Antioch (4-3, 1-1) at Deer Valley (1-6, 0-2), Friday, 7 pm
These two cross-town rivals will collide, looking to come out with bragging rights at they battle it out for the City of Antioch Mayor’s Cup.
After a guest appearance from Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh last week, Antioch was able to roll past Liberty in a 62-25 win.
No surprise, Harbaugh was there to watch a talented set of players, most notably, Najee Harris. Harris is already verbally committed to Alabama, but with 1,542 yards and 18 touchdowns this season, numerous other top programs are making a late push before signing day. Meanwhile, the Panthers offense remains loaded. Sophomore Willem Karnthong has thrown for over 1,000 yards with 13 touchdowns. Isaiah Dunn is a popular target, as he has 249 yards to his name.
Deer Valley is still in desperate need of a win, as the Wolverines are sitting on a five-game losing streak. Their dual threat quarterback Dior Walker will certainly be a key factor in the game. Walker is a one man show on offense, as he has thrown for 690 yards and has rushed for 445 yards, leading the team. Patrick Robinson has put up some solid numbers, as he has rushed for 235 yards.
Antioch has claimed two straight victories against Deer Valley in the Mayor’s Cup
Heritage (6-1, 1-1) at Freedom (7-0, 2-0), Friday, 7 pm
Heritage suffered a heart-breaking loss to Pittsburg last week, ending its undefeated season so far. That loss certainly does not overshadow its terrific season. Nick Zell has been on fire all year. The senior has thrown for 1,612 yards and 23 touchdowns. He has an excellent set of receivers to throw to, as twins Tyrese and Tyriq Mack have combined for 933 yards.
Freedom has proven to be one of the top teams in the Bay Area. They shut out Deer Valley last week 42-0, and the offense has scored 336 points through the first seven games. Senior running back Ronnie Rivers has been a huge factor in the Falcons’ campaign. Rivers has 1,179 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. The Freedom offense also has balance, as senior quarterback Jonathan Pierce has 1,352 passing yards to go with 22 touchdowns through the air, finding receivers such as Baylei Coston and Giles Jackson. Coston leads the team with 734 receiving yards, while Jackson has 432.
Freedom has won five consecutive games in this series.
Liberty (3-4, 0-2) at Pittsburg (5-0, 2-0), Friday, 7 pm
Liberty has suffered consecutive losses against Antioch and Heritage to open league play, and things don't get easier this week with the Pirates. Quarterback Ryan Dutt will be a key factor for the Lions as they search for a victory. Dutt has thrown for 1,450 yards this season for 11 touchdowns. Junior Zane Hinojosa has been a consistent target, averaging 90 yards a game, tallying 681 on the year. However, senior Tre Hawkins has been the backbone of this offense, as he has 1,146 yards and 14 total touchdowns.
Pittsburg has been dominant all year. They have managed to scored 125 points without Montaz Thompson over the last couple weeks. He makes his anticipated return this week. Thompson has made a case that he can be an elite running back, with 1,170 yards and 17 total touchdowns this year. He is also closing in on a pair of career records in the storied history of the Pirate program. He is currently tied with Ken Simonton and Brian Robinson for the career rushing touchdown record, with 30, and is a mere 78 yards away from breaking Harris Ross' record for rushing yards gained in a career.
Trey Turner has been out with a concussion, however he does seem probable to start this week, according to coach Vic Galli. The sophomore quarterback has been terrific, with 857 yards and seven passing touchdowns. Even if Turner is out, senior Seu Kuka is a tremendous second option. Last week against the then-undefeated Patriots, he threw for 198 yards and four touchdowns. Kuka is also a good receiver, as he has 80 receiving yards on five catches.
Liberty's last win over Pittsburg came during the 2005 season.
