Post by San Diego Football Network on Aug 29, 2013 19:47:16 GMT -8
#1 Oceanside Pirates at #8 St. Augustine Saints
Friday, August, 30 2013 7:00 p.m.
San Diego Mesa College
In front of what should be a packed crowd at Merrill Douglas Stadium, two of last season's participants in the San Diego Section finals will face off for the first time in 16 years.
After leading Oceanside to their 14th section title, Silver Pigskin winning quarterback Israel “Tofi” Paopao took his talents to Florida International. The Pirate's offense will now be led by senior quarterback Josh Harris, a transfer from Helix who is no stranger to replacing Silver Pigskin winners. When 2011 winner Brandon Lewis graduated after a run to the state title, Harris took over the starting job and led the Highlanders to a 10-1 record.
His primary target this season will be senior wide receiver Mikah Holder. Holder is a shifty deep threat who can also make plays at the cornerback position. Although he’ll miss catching passes from Paopao, the San Diego State commit should continue to put up big numbers with Harris leading the way.
St. Augustine is coming off a 10-3 season that ended with a loss to Madison in the San Diego Section Division IV finals. With a core of their key players returning, another run to the finals wouldn't be a crazy prediction for the Saints.
After a breakout freshman year where he rushed for 1,534 yards and 14 touchdowns, Elijah Preston returns to lead the Saints' rushing attack. Despite his small stature, he can power his way through both holes and defenders en route to a big gain.
The Saints' defense will feature two players who are related to former San Diego Chargers linebackers who wore number 55. Junior cornerback Frank Buncom IV (Grandson of Frank Buncom II, 1962-1967) and sophomore linebacker Quinn Seau (Nephew of Junior Seau, 1990-2002) will play key roles in trying to slow down Oceanside's explosive offense.
Tale of the Tape
#1 Oceanside Pirates
Division: Open
League: Avocado West
2012 Season: 12-1, D-II Section Champions
Head Coach: John Carroll (25th Season) [1-1 vs. St. Augustine]
Rankings
San Diego Football Network #1
Max Preps #1
U-T San Diego #1
Partleton Sports #2
Impact Pirates
Senior WR Thai Cottrell
Senior QB Josh Harris
Senior WR Mikah Holder
Senior DB Alijah Holder
Senior OL/DL Jace Whitaker
#8 St. Augustine Saints
Division: II
League: Eastern
2012 Season: 10-3, Loss in D-IV Finals
Head Coach: Richard Sanchez (5th Season)
Rankings
San Diego Football Network #8
Max Preps #10
U-T San Diego #5
Partleton Sports #4
Impact Saints
Senior DE/TE Nick Allard
Junior CB Frank Buncom IV
Senior QB JoJo Hudson
Sophomore RB Elijah Preston
Sophomore LB Quinn Seau
Series History
First Meeting: 1927 - St. Augustine 13, Oceanside 0
Last Meeting: 1997 Division III Section Finals - Oceanside 28, St. Augustine 25
St. Augustine leads the all-time series 5-2
Publisher's Prediction
Oceanside 28, St. Augustine 14
Sources
Cal Preps
Max Preps
Partleton Sports
Finding Frank: Full Circle in a Life Cut Short (Book)
Helmets Designed By: California Helmet Project