Interesting read:
So, what are the chances of a valley team getting back to the top? "I wouldn't be surprised to see multiple teams from the valley make a run," Palm Springs head coach Dan Murphy said. "There are some really good teams in the valley this year, and I think we're well represented in the playoffs." The postseason began for eight-man teams a week ago. This Friday, the 11-man teams get started. Let's take a closer look at what to expect as the curtain opens on another postseason in the valley:
Apple Valley (3-7) at La Quinta (8-2)
APPLE VALLEY VITALS
From: Apple Valley
Opponents' W-L record: 59-41
Signature win: Victor Valley, 35-20
Player to watch: TB Greg Sprague
The bottom line: Apple Valley is no stranger to playing tough teams. The Sun Devils have already played Kaiser (8-2), Serrano (9-1) and Oak Hills (8-2). They played all three away from home and were within striking distance entering the second half.
Keeping it close against La Quinta could be a different story. The Blackhawks have played with a running clock in the second half of eight of 10 games this season, and no team has been able to stop tailback Chris Toribio (2,156 rushing yards, 39 total touchdowns).
The thing Apple Valley has going is its run game, which features junior tailback Greg Sprague (1,270 yards 13 touchdowns). La Quinta could also be without starting quarterback Michael Avina, who sprained an ankle two weeks ago against Xavier Prep.
Still, if La Quinta can continue to run the ball and defend as it has all season (starters have allowed just seven points per game), the Blackhawks should cruise.
"Having the week off helped us get some guys healthy," La Quinta head coach Dan Armstrong said. "We'll have a few key guys back who we'll need to make a run."
The pick: La Quinta
Continue reading for other teams.....
DVL Playoff Preview
So, what are the chances of a valley team getting back to the top? "I wouldn't be surprised to see multiple teams from the valley make a run," Palm Springs head coach Dan Murphy said. "There are some really good teams in the valley this year, and I think we're well represented in the playoffs." The postseason began for eight-man teams a week ago. This Friday, the 11-man teams get started. Let's take a closer look at what to expect as the curtain opens on another postseason in the valley:
Apple Valley (3-7) at La Quinta (8-2)
APPLE VALLEY VITALS
From: Apple Valley
Opponents' W-L record: 59-41
Signature win: Victor Valley, 35-20
Player to watch: TB Greg Sprague
The bottom line: Apple Valley is no stranger to playing tough teams. The Sun Devils have already played Kaiser (8-2), Serrano (9-1) and Oak Hills (8-2). They played all three away from home and were within striking distance entering the second half.
Keeping it close against La Quinta could be a different story. The Blackhawks have played with a running clock in the second half of eight of 10 games this season, and no team has been able to stop tailback Chris Toribio (2,156 rushing yards, 39 total touchdowns).
The thing Apple Valley has going is its run game, which features junior tailback Greg Sprague (1,270 yards 13 touchdowns). La Quinta could also be without starting quarterback Michael Avina, who sprained an ankle two weeks ago against Xavier Prep.
Still, if La Quinta can continue to run the ball and defend as it has all season (starters have allowed just seven points per game), the Blackhawks should cruise.
"Having the week off helped us get some guys healthy," La Quinta head coach Dan Armstrong said. "We'll have a few key guys back who we'll need to make a run."
The pick: La Quinta
Continue reading for other teams.....
DVL Playoff Preview
