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Prep Football Capsules: Poway High faces unbeaten Ramona; Rancho Bernardo hosts rival Del Norte

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By Michael Bower

The Poway High football team is next in line to try to take down undefeated Palomar League foe, Ramona.

The Titans will give it their best shot at trying to spoil the Bulldogs’ hope of running the table in league play.

Meanwhile, Del Norte and Rancho Bernardo will tangle on the Broncos’ homecoming night. This one will certainly be filled with plenty of energy.

Maranatha looks to break out offensively against Rock Academy, which has given up at least 40 points in each of its six losses.

Here is a closer look at each game:

Palomar League

Poway (2-4, 0-1 Palomar League) at Ramona (6-0, 1-0), Friday 7 p.m.

Last week:

Poway lost to Torrey Pines 35-21; Ramona beat Rancho Bernardo 30-0.

Notes:

The two-time defending Palomar League champion Titans could be facing the squad that replaces them at the top this year in the Bulldogs ... Poway has lost two in row, including its first league game in two years last week. It has been the same story with the Titans all season, a lack of offense and the defense giving up huge yardage on the ground. The Titans gave up 380 yards rushing to the Falcons. Poway mounted a respectable 368 yards of offense — 196 coming on the ground. Freshman Tyjon Lindsey continues to shine, as he returned a punt 69 yards for a TD in the loss ... The Bulldogs have been the talk of the San Diego Section, after knocking off Helix 10-6 in Week 5. It was not completely unexpected that Ramona is off to such a strong start. The Bulldogs are experienced and have great size on both lines. The offense is driven by the running game, which is averaging over 5 yards per carry. Junior Brandon Gusch (80 carries for 446 yards and nine TDs) and senior Nathan Cherek (74 carries for 536 yards and eight TDs) have led the way ... Expect the Bulldogs to pound the run behind their massive line and roll to victory.

Prediction:

Ramona 35, Poway 7.


Non-league

Del Norte (2-4) at Rancho Bernardo (1-5), Friday 7 p.m.

Last week:

Del Norte beat Valley Center 31-7; Rancho Bernardo lost to Ramona 30-0.

Notes:

This should be one of the most exciting games of the night, despite the two teams’ combined record of 3-9 ... The Nighthawks beat the Broncos for the first time in school history, 28-21, last season. Del Norte’s student section rushed the field after the win and it instantly turned into one of the top sports moments in the short school history of the Nighthawks. Del Norte is coming off its first win in school history over three-time Valley League champion, Valley Center. The Nighthawks were led by Marc Gallant’s 129 yards and two TDs on the ground. QB Parker Lappin chipped in with 166 yards passing and 69 rushing. The stellar defensive play of linebackers Spenser Pennington and Christopher Labrador helped hold the Jaguars to only seven points ... The Broncos will have plenty of energy for this one, as it is their homecoming night. Rancho Bernardo might have just one win this season, but victories in this game and the Poway game would leave the seniors feeling pretty good. The Broncos have rotated at the QB position with Michael Searson and Tucker Reed. Searson had an injury and could not play QB, but has been able to play WR. Ross Lovato has averaged close to four yards per carry and the receiving core has been led by Jimmy Byron’s 19 catches for 200 yards and three TDs ... Expect this one to be filled with emotion and for a huge play late to decide the game.

Prediction:

Del Norte 21, Rancho Bernardo 20.


Pacific League

Maranatha Christian (1-5, 0-1 Pacific League) vs. Rock Academy (0-6, 0-1) at University City HS, Friday 7 p.m.

Last week:

Maranatha lost to Calvin Christian 26-14; Rock Academy lost to Tri-City Christian 42-7.

Notes:

These two teams have combined to score just 65 points this season, but something has to give in this one ... The Eagles have shown improvement on offense, putting up 18 points on Oct. 4 and then 14 last week. This was right after Maranatha was blanked in back-to-back games. The Eagles had little trouble scoring points against the Warriors in last year’s meeting, as Maranatha won that one 63-37 ... The Warriors are averaging just over two yards per carry on the ground and have only completed 41 percent of their passes ... Expect the Eagles offense to shine in this one.

Prediction:

Maranatha Christian 42, Rock Academy 21.

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