KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
The Last Week Of Foothill Football Is Significant For the Entire SCV
Last Sunday I didn’t get to watch Super Bowl XLI ½ between the undefeated Patriots and Colts. Sunday Night Football devised this new flex schedule so that the best game would be shown as a night game every Sunday, but for some reason I was stuck watching an NFC East blowout between Philadelphia and Dallas? But the schedule of the Foothill League is experiencing no technical difficulties and has dished out an amazing and important season finale for Santa Clarita football. Here’s what it all comes down to this week.
The Greatness: Hart vs Saugus
Hart is undefeated this season with a tie to Valencia in a 21-21 stunner a few weeks ago. Their success is in large part due to their big-play ability from the Triple Threat of wide receiver Demitri Diamond, quarterback BR Holbrook, and running back Delano Howell. These young work horses have the ability to stun a defense every down. On the other hand Saugus has one out-of-league loss this season but actually has a better league record. They also pack the one-two punch of quarterback Desi Rodriguez and the league’s leading rusher Ryan Zirbel. These two weapons get into the end zone like they have an open invitation.
However this game is not just a “Clash of the Titans” type match-up. This game is for the league title, the top seed in the playoffs, and possibly a chance at a state championship title. If the team that wins also runs the table in the playoffs the next few weeks, the CIF selection committee will have to give consideration to the Foothill League when convening to pick the two teams who will battle it out for the California State Championship.
The Opportunity: Canyon vs Valencia
It’s worked out that this game will decide who gets to keep playing football next week as we begin the playoffs. Both teams are in control of their destiny and will be playing “leave-it-all-on-the-field” football. The Canyon Cowboys will need to hold onto their pride to make sure that they don’t miss the playoffs. With a strong defense and a reputation to play to their opponent’s weakness, Canyon can make this a statement game going into the playoffs. However you’d have to admit that the momentum is with Valencia. After an impressive tie with Hart and a stomping of the West Ranch Wildcats where Quarterback Graham Wilbert looked to be in top form, the Vikings are ready to pillage.
The Pride: Golden Valley vs West Ranch
Admittedly the Golden Valley Grizzlies would benefit from a brief stint with amnesia to forget this winless season, filled with frustration. The West Ranch Wildcats are also winless in league play but they’ve shown signs of promise for the future. But this being West Ranch’s inception season they’ve yet to have a win in the Foothill League. This game can play out to be a game for school pride and this will also be easier to motivate the players to play one last game above their heads to end the season on a positive note. Look for this one to be two programs that are not ready to mail it in even in the last game of the season.
