This week does not have the same glittering match-ups between ranked teams like previous weeks have had, but the importance of the games on tap are arguably greater with league play starting in some instances and a couple non-league games with future playoff implications also on tap.
Also be sure to check out Harold Abend’s NorCal Games of the Week, which includes a breakdown of the marquee match-up on Saturday night between Liberty and Cardinal Newman, in a game being played at Freedom.
All rankings listed are this week’s NCS rankings.
St. Helena (3-0) at Kelseyville (1-2), Friday, 7:30 pm
This small-school battle in Lake County will have a lasting impact, as unbeaten St. Helena tries to assert itself as a true contender for the NCL crown this season, but will need to go through a Kelseyville team which already has a big win over Ukiah.
St. Helena has rolled past St. Patrick-St. Vincent, Drake and Winters in its first three games, with that season-opening win serving as the most impressive, and the Saints have an explosive backfield, led by sophomore Ivan Robledo. Kelseyville, meanwhile, has cut its teeth against three larger opponents, with that win over Ukiah sandwiched around defeats to San Marin and Fortuna.
Kelseyville has won the last three meetings in this rivalry, but the current streak came on the heels of a six-game win streak for St. Helena.
Terra Linda (1-2) at San Marin (2-1), Saturday, 2 pm
After escaping in overtime against Casa Grande two weeks ago, San Marin turns its attention towards another MCAL championship run, after sharing the title with Redwood and Terra Linda last season.
However, the Mustangs will take the field on Saturday with a heavy heart, as they celebrate the life of junior running back and linebacker Mario Lupercio, who was killed Sunday afternoon in a car crash. Lupercio was in his first season on the varsity level, but his third season with the program.
Quarterback Matt Sargent brings experience and prior success to the position behind center, but Dante DiMare and Nico Lofrano have been leading an effective ground game so far this year.
Terra Linda got off to a rough start this season with losses to Ukiah and Kennedy-Richmond, but the Trojans scored 21 fourth-quarter points last week to stun Analy, as quarterback Julian Deraffele threw for a pair of scores and Dylan Johnson ran for 96 yards on 19 carries.
Terra Linda has won the last two meetings in this series, including a 27-12 victory last season when the teams finished in that three-way tie for the league title. San Marin had won seven straight prior to the last two years.
Prep2Prep student-contributor Sadie Fonarev will be covering this game.
No. 12 San Ramon Valley (2-1) at Freedom (0-4), Friday, 7 pm
The records make this one look like a mismatch on paper, but these are the defending NCS Division 1 finalists, with San Ramon Valley having held on late to defeat Freedom in last year’s section title game, 28-21. Then there is the matter of Freedom’s losses, as the last three have been excruciatingly close for the Falcons.
Freedom’s last three games have been decided by a total of 10 points, including a one-point loss to Antelope last week, a four-point loss to California and a five-point loss to San Leandro. The Falcons held a lead against California and knocked on the goal-line door at the end in the loss to San Leandro. But San Ramon Valley is also no stranger to close games, having held off Antioch last week, 10-9, getting the game-winning points on a 45-yard field goal by sophomore Chase Salisbury.
These teams split two meetings last season, with Freedom capturing the regular season game before falling in the playoffs.
Prep2Prep’s Jesus Cano will be covering this game.
No. 8 Marin Catholic (3-1) at No. 19 Antioch (0-4), Friday, 7 pm
Much like the game listed directly above, this game could be a lot more competitive than it looks on paper with the records. Antioch is coming off a one-point loss to San Ramon Valley, lost by two to California and lost by eight to Amador Valley in a game where the Panthers allowed two kick returns for scores and had four touchdowns called back due to penalties.
That being said, Marin Catholic has rebounded emphatically from a loss to McClymonds, routing Archbishop Mitty and Monterey, as sophomore Michael Ingrassia has settled in at quarterback, utilizing weapons such as Matteo Perez and Gaven Cooke. And of course the Wildcats have the most dominant player on the field with two-way lineman Jamar Sekona.
If this season’s results are any indication, Antioch will need to rely on its defense, where it hopes to force Marin Catholic into the air, as the defensive secondary is a major strength for the Panthers. It’s also Homecoming for the Panthers, so the excitement should run high, along with the possibility for that first victory.
Last year was the first meeting between these programs, and it ended in a 47-28 win on the road for Antioch. Now, Marin Catholic hopes to return the favor.
Tamalpais (2-1) at Redwood (2-1), Friday, 3:30 pm
Redwood kicks off its quest for another MCAL title, after sharing the crown three ways last fall, and it starts by hosting a Tamalpais team which is averaging 377 yards of offense per game, led by senior quarterback Aidan Newell, who has 10 touchdowns and one interception through the air.
Redwood, meanwhile, has won two straight since a season-opening loss to Berkeley, both by comfortable margins over Maria Carrillo and Ukiah. After giving up 27 points in the season-opening defeat, the Giants have allowed just 25 points in the last two games combined.
Redwood has won four straight against Tamalpais, but each of the last two games have been decided by one score.
Best of the Rest
When Bishop O’Dowd defeated Monte Vista on a last-second field goal last season, the rematch was immediately circled on everyone’s calendar. However, early-season results have taken a little luster off this game, especially after the Dragons were routed last week by Pittsburg and Monte Vista came about three inches shy of forcing overtime against Liberty.
St. Bernard’s is off to a strong 4-0 start and has won 11 straight match-ups with rival Ferndale, but the Wildcats just added some intrigue to this year’s game by knocking off Fortuna last week, while St. Bernard’s outscored La Salle-OR. Ferndale has allowed just 49 points in three games this season, while St. Bernard’s has scored 167 points in its first four games.
Piner is off to a blistering 4-0 start, having outscored opponents 244-0 in those four games. However, Miramonte represents the Prospectors’ biggest test so far this year, especially with quarterback Matt Meredith, who has thrown for 17 touchdowns with just one interception.
El Cerrito picked up its first win of the season last week against Oakland Tech, but getting its second win this week will be a lot harder against an offensive-minded Acalanes squad. The Dons bounced back from their first loss of the season, to Vintage, by routing Berkeley last week as Jake Delaney ran for four touchdowns.
