NHS gridders seek revenge against Carp
By Jesse Phelps

What a difference a year makes. Last year's edition of Carpinteria Warriors varsity football was a juggernaut early in the season and went to 4-0 by beating up Nordhoff on its home turf. This year, the Rangers look to turn the tables.

This time, it's the Rangers (2-1) who come in hot, fresh off a dominant 61-14 thrashing of Calabasas last Thursday evening that moved them up from No. 10 to No. 5 in the CIF Southern Section Division XI rankings. Meanwhile, the No. 9 Warriors (1-2) come in fresh off a 12-3 loss to Santa Ynez, a team Nordhoff spanked in an away game two weeks ago.

Last year's Warriors showed a nice combination of run and pass on offense and a stingy defense that intercepted Nordhoff three times. It can be expected, after Nordhoff rolled up nearly 450 yards rushing last week, that the Rangers will try to keep the ball on the ground, control the clock and punish the Carpinteria defensive front with its big, athletic line.

Nordhoff coach Cliff Farrar was unavailable for comment but, in general, a host of backs share the duties and do the most damage for the Rangers, including leading rusher Will Strong, a junior, and senior power back Josh Catlett.

Chances are that more of the same can be expected this week.
The matchup with Carpinteria marks the first Tri-Valley League game of the year for the Rangers.

Game time is 7:30 p.m. and the junior varsities take the field at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the gate starting at 4 p.m. Prices are $6 for adults and $3 for NPA members and children under 12.

© 2003 The Ojai Valley News

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