Outside of Game 7 of the World Series, it doesn't get much better than this.
Prep2Prep CCS No. 1 Milpitas (7-0, 3-0) vs. No. 2 Los Gatos (6-1, 3-0). Halloween night. Anticipated capacity crowd at Milpitas for what is also senior night. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
Milpitas could all but wrap up the SCVAL-De Anza title with a victory. Los Gatos would take a big step toward the division title, though it still would need to beat Wilcox in the regular-season finale.
"Our guys haven't talked about it that much but this is the game they've been waiting for," Los Gatos coach Mark Krail said. "It's a good rivalry and they're excited to play Milpitas. They have some (impressive) bodies and they're as good as anyone. It's a tall order (for us) but it's not un-doable."
Asked what fans can expect, Milpitas star defensive end/tight end Jason Scrempos said: "A physical game. And a close game as well. This is the biggest game of our regular season. (I'm) definitely not leaving this school losing on my last home game. (I) expect us to come out strong and pull off the W."
Los Gatos defeated Milpitas 55-34 last season and has a 5-4-1 edge in the past 10 years. But Milpitas has been on a tear since upsetting host Valley Christian 31-17. Since then the Trojans have outscored opponents by a combined 166-6 and has allowed only 30 points all season. Besides Scrempos (6-7, 250), Milpitas is led on defense by lineman Tevita Musika (6-2, 330).
On offense the Trojans boast quarterback John Keller (586 yards passing, nine TDs, two interceptions), running back Cros Chavez (457 yards, 5 TDs) and game-breaking receiver/kick returner Christian Rita who has caught seven passes for 278 yards and six TDs. Rita also averages 29.9 yards per kickoff return and scores 10 points per game.
Milpitas has quality wins against Riordan (27-0), Valley Christian (31-17), Homestead (27-3) and Wilcox (28-0).
Los Gatos has a healthy respect for Milpitas but is not scared.
"I'm feeling like it we come out ready to play and we play our best, we'll definitely have a good chance to beat them," big Los Gatos lineman Trevor Taormina said.
Said Wildcats' standout receiver Matt Wilcox: "I think it will be a good game. It's going to be a tough match-up. They're a really good football team and hopefully we can come out victorious."
Los Gatos, averaging 42 points per game, is led by senior running back Joey Wood (552 yards, eight TDs) who is eyeing a school rushing record. Wood missed two games in a row with a sprained left ankle, but returned last week and rushed for more than 100 yards.
Wood is complemented by junior QB Dru Brown who has passed for 1,301 yards and 12 TDs with two interceptions and Wilcox (37 catches, 557 yards, three TDs). Brown completes 68 percent of its passes.
Los Gatos has an effective offensive line of Brendan Ross, Griffin Jordan, Jack Jarnigan, Zach Smits and Henry Tuckfield.
Defensively, the Wildcats have a host of hard hitters, including Jake Holton (eight tackles per game) as well as Matt Schwager, Colt Doughty, Jarnigan, Nick Kryvicki, Austin Bohn (three sacks) and Quinn Spiteri.
"I'm super excited," said Wood who late last week tweeted this is the "CCS game of the year." Added Wood: "They have a lot of size and great athletes, but I think maybe we can out-scheme them."
Los Gatos' only loss was to St. Mary's-Stockton (35-32) in a game Wood left due to injury before returning at the end and nearly spurring the Wildcats to victory. His left ankle was taped tight for practice on Tuesday, but he will be ready to go.
The Wildcats, since the loss to St. Mary's, have outscored opponents by a combined 175-28.
