With the regular season coming to a close, the teams in the DAL-Valley Conference are looking to secure NCS playoff spots. Miramonte is looking to ride momentum going into the playoffs after its back-and-forth victory over Concord. And Concord looks to maintain a top-four seed for the Division 2 playoffs.
But overall, all eyes will be on Clayton Valley and Campolindo as two league winning streaks are on the line between the host Ugly Eagles and the visiting Campolindo Cougars, in the DAL-Valley Game of the Week. Let's go inside each match-up this week in the Diablo Athletic League-Valley Conference.
Campolindo (7-2, 4-0) at Clayton Valley (8-1, 4-0)
If there was to be a monster game in the NCS, then this is among the biggest of them all. Clayton Valley and Campolindo both enter the game undefeated in league play and with two significant league winning streaks. This is the first meeting between the Cougars and the Ugly Eagles.
Two of the Bay Area's powerhouse teams will do battle for the DAL-Valley Conference title. Neither team has allowed more than 28 points per game, and the Ugly Eagles have blown out its past seven opponents by at least 30 points.
The host Ugly Eagles will be led by sophomore running-back Thomas Alatini. Alatini has 105 carries for 698 yards and seven touchdowns. His biggest game came against Acalanes, when he rushed for two touchdowns. The Ugly Eagles, being a pre-dominantly running team, can also rely on junior James Teofilo for a score. Tefilo has 662 yards this season and nine touchdowns.
The Clayton Valley defense has been excellent and dominant, no doubt about it. The defensive line has allowed fewer than 100 yards on the ground in the last seven games. That being said, the focus will be on a big defensive game and taking care of things on offense.
Senior quarterback Jacob Westphal will be playing under center for Campolindo, and he has been steady all season, having the starting job since last season. He has thrown for 2,089 yards and 14 touchdowns, with only three interceptions.
Junior receiver Vince Mossotti has been an excellent target for Westphal, having 30 receptions for 823 yards and seven touchdowns. Junior John Torchio, and seniors Kannah Cruickshank and Lev Garcia have also been other reliable targets. Meanwhile, seniors Matthew Ringquist and Branden Bocobo have been key players in the running-game. They have combined for 61 carries for 298 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Look for linebacker Justin Ehrenberger to put a defensive effort for the Cougars with six sacks on the season.
This game will have two different league winning streaks on the line. The host Clayton Valley Eagles have a 26-game league winning streak, with the past 24 coming during head coach Tim Murphy's tenure. The visiting Campolindo Cougars have won their past 34 league games. Even if the visiting Cougars lose to the Ugly Eagles, they still have a lock for the top-seed in the Division II playoffs.
“We are just going to have to get these kids out there healthy enough to play and try to avoid having any big injuries going into the playoffs.” Campolindo head coach Kevin Macy said.
Miramonte (7-2, 2-2) at Acalanes (4-5, 1-3)
After starting the season 5-0, and having back-to-back losses to Clayton Valley and Campolindo, the Miramonte Matadors have won the past two games over Las Lomas and Concord. Acalanes, meanwhile, is struggling with a 1-3 record in league-play.
Miramonte senior quarterback Tim Tague looks to be a huge threat on offense. With 2,245 yards and 30 touchdowns, Tague is one of the leading quarterbacks in the league. His main targets, senior Nick Foster, and junior Ethan Fischler have combined for 1,148 yards and 20 touchdowns. Foster is also a standout defensive-back, having four interceptions for 97 yards
For Acalanes, they have a dual-threat quarterback in junior Robby Rowell. The junior has 2,307 yards and 18 touchdowns while also rushing for 316 yards and six touchdowns. With these stats, it's no wonder Rowell is the league's leader in passing yards. Look for Rowell to throw to senior Matt Burns, and juniors Aidan McNamara and Brian Merken. The trio have combined for 1,847 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Las Lomas (0-9, 0-4) at Concord (5-4, 1-3)
Las Lomas is looking to snap a 17-game losing streak dating back to a pre-season win last year over College Park, while the Minutemen are looking to end league-play with a win and a top-four seed in the Division II playoffs.
The Knights have stand-outs in quarterback Joe Wood and seniors Sam Wiscavage and Jack Wiscavage.
Dual-threat quarterback Nick Nunez has showed off his arm all year with 1,540 yards and 12 touchdowns, with senior Joey Agostino as his top target. Mike Davis Jr. leads the rushing attack with 734 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Concord defense has been a threat lead by Deandre Morgan and Alex Cruz, who have combined for 142 tackles.
