SOLEDAD — Get ready for some Thursday night football as Everett Alvarez comes to Soledad after being shut down for 10 days due to Covid-19.
Everett Alvarez Eagles will finally get to play against another opponent after their scrimmage and first game of the season were canceled for health protocols.
Soledad Aztecs are coming off a win against Greenfield and bring with them an offense that has some talented, skilled players. They also bring a defense that only gave up 12 points.
“They’re a hard-playing team that’s not going to give up,” said Eagles Head Coach Anthony McKay. “They play hard and physically have a few play makers, so it’s going to be a challenge to contain them, and that’s been our plan all week — stopping their big plays.”
Thursday, Sept. 2
Everett Alvarez Eagles (0-0) vs. Soledad Aztecs (1-0)
Non-League Game
7 p.m. at Soledad High
What we know: Soledad quarterback Bryan Acero will be a problem for any team and will have that Soledad offense putting up some points. According to McKay, the Eagles will only have had three practices since being shut down.
Everett Alvarez strengths: Everett Alvarez will try to isolate their athletes so they can get that one-on-one situation.
Players to watch: Offensive linemen Jaime Gil will open up some holes for their running back Dylan Uto, who has played 14 varsity games. Everett Alvarez will also look to get the ball to wide receiver Jayden Brown.
Questions: The amount of practice time will be a problem and game conditioning.
“The biggest concern is this is our kids’ first time competing against other kids,” McKay said. “We haven’t had that live scrimmage or jamboree yet, so seeing how they’re going to respond to an opponent that is trying to beat you is going to be interesting. That’s the most concerning.”
Soledad strengths: Soledad’s ability to hit the big play. Its offense scored 32 points last week, and the coaches didn’t play that well.
Players to watch: QB Bryan Acero, must I say more. And the tag-team of Daniel Raso, who had a touchdown last game, and Isaiah Cruz, who caught two touchdowns last week. They are going to be nightmares to try to cover.
Questions: What does Soledad’s offense look like if it doesn’t get the big play? Can the defense come up big again? During the Greenfield game, the Soledad offense was silent at the second and late in the third quarter that allowed Greenfield to grab the momentum.
Prediction: Soledad got me on a winning streak last week, so I’m going with Soledad again. I believe the lack of practice time will hurt Everett Alvarez and game conditioning. Soledad wins 34-20.
