While NFL and college football teams have yet to debut this season, the high school ranks entered the fray last week and are preparing for a full schedule of games this weekend. To get you ready for the season, Presidio Sports previews the area’s five 11-man football teams and highlights the most anticipated matchups. All five teams have a talented and motivated group of senior players who want to finish their high school careers on a high note. Visit presidiosports.com for additional video interviews with players and coaches.
Bishop Diego
The Cardinals, 43-8 over the past four seasons, look to continue their winning ways as they enter their second season in CIF Division 3 with most of their playmakers returning from last year’s 10-2 season. Several players stood out in last Friday’s 14-9 victory over Righetti. CIF sprint champion AV Bennett showed off his speed on a 24-yard touchdown run late in the game, and quarterback Spencer Stovesand completed a 36-yard scoring play to receiver Dylan Streett. The Cardinals expected a stiff challenge from Righetti, a larger school that was a Division 3 play-off team last year. “We came out really bad in the first half,” senior linebacker Matt Shotwell said. “We didn’t execute that well, especially on the first drive. [We] came out and did our thing in the second half, and that’s execute plays even though we’re not the biggest team around.” Shotwell had 15 tackles in the game. It was Bishop’s fifth straight season-opening win. The Cardinals travel to San Diego–area small-schools power Santa Fe Christian on Saturday.