Prep Football: California looks to slow Blair Oaks

CALIFORNIA, Mo. - California has the Tri-County Conference's best scoring defense, and Blair Oaks is home to the best scoring offense. Something has to give in tonight's matchup between Pintos and Falcons, right?

"That's exactly right," California head coach Marty Albertson said. "Their offense is very good, so it's going to be a big task for our defense."

The Pintos are allowing opposing offenses to score 13.2 points per game, while Blair Oaks is lighting up the scoreboard with 52 points per game.

"We just have a few different schemes we're going to throw at them that they haven't seen," Albertson said. "Hopefully that can slow them down. I don't think we can shut them down, we just have to slow them down."

Since California's 35-0 loss to Mexico in Week 2, the Pintos' defense has stiffened, pitching two shutouts in the four games since and holding a high-scoring Eldon team (45.8 points per game) to only 23 points. This season, California is giving up 280 yards per game, 212 yards on the ground and just 68 yards through the air.

The pass defense is led by senior Landon Mouse at the free safety position. The three-year starter is second on the team with 31 tackles, one interception and two fumble recoveries.

"It's very important to have your seniors be leaders on the field, because it's just an extension of your coaching staff," Albertson said. "He's a good guy to have out there to have everybody set up in the right spot."

Teams like Mexico and Eldon had great rushing attacks, but the Pintos shut the passing game down. Only one team has recorded more than 100 passing yards against this defense, and that was California's Week 1 opponent, Boonville.

With all the success on defense, California hasn't matched up against an offense like Blair Oaks this season or a quarterback like the Falcons' Jordan Hair.

"He's probably the best quarterback in the league," Albertson said. "He throws the ball really well, reads defenses well and he's really quick. He's going to be a handful to handle."

Hair has completed 62 percent of his passes for 1,061 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. He's also rushed the ball 79 times for 361 yards and 11 touchdowns.

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University of Arkansas law students Latosha (cq) Wilkes (left) and Michelle McKinney serve food Thursday during the annual Soul Food Extravaganza inside the Leflar Law Center on the Fayetteville campus. The event is presented by The Black Law Students Association and honors Black History Month. **EDITORS NOTE: NO ONE KNEW HOW MANY YEARS THIS EVENT HAS BEEN HAPPENING**

His favorite targets are C.J. Closser and Adam Schell, recording 595 and 299 receiving yards, respectively. Cody Alexander holds down the running game with 588 yards on 7.4 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns.

As far as Blair Oaks' defense, Albertson likes his matchups. Coming off its best rushing performance of the season, and with sophomore Jacob Wolken proving to be a good passer, the Pintos should move the ball against the Falcons.

Senior running back A.J. Kendrick could return to the field tonight after suffering a shoulder injury against Boonville.

"Their defense has given up some points this year, it's not like they've shut people out," Albertson said. "Our offense should go in with some confidence that we can score some points."

Wolken will have to play almost mistake-free ball in order to keep up with the Falcons' high-powered offense, because their defense has nine interceptions and nine fumble recoveries.

"That's the thing, we have to cut down on our mistakes," Albertson said. "Any time you play a good team and you have mistakes, it kills you."

Teams are hanging with Blair Oaks through the first two quarters, but the second half is when the Falcons make their move. Especially in the third quarter.

They've averaged 18.8 points in the third quarter alone, 30.6 in the second half.

"Obviously they adjust well in the second half against everybody they've played," Albertson said. "I feel like we've gotten better in the second half, too. I think we'll make some adjustments at halftime and show them some different things they haven't seen."

The second half is when California's offense thrives, too. During its four-game winning streak, California has trailed or has been tied twice at the break before pulling out the victory.

California was down 16-6 to Eldon at halftime, but pulled out a 34-23 win. Wolken tossed four touchdown passes on 195 passing yards during the final two quarters.

For the past couple of years, this game has decided the Tri-County Conference championship, and it looks that way again. With two games remaining after this contest and Blair Oaks and California tied for first place - two games ahead of three teams in second - the winner is set up nicely for the conference championship.

"We're both usually at the top, so whoever wins that game is basically going to get a conference championship," Albertson said. "It's that way again."

With the Pintos holding a 24-17 series lead, California and Blair Oaks will kick at 7 p.m. at Falcon Athletic Complex in Wardsville.

Blair Oaks hosts California - Updates on Twitter: @tony_hawley, @CDemocratSports and @PintosAthletics. Listen live online: pintosonline.com

Podcast:

Week 7 Pintos Preview: California vs. Blair Oaks

See also:

Falcons Preview: Blair Oaks, California meet with Tri-County crown on line