When Leland hosts Aragon Friday night (7 pm) in a first-round CCS Division II matchup, don't be surprised if the Dons come in with a loose attitude.
"Now we are a little looser because it's our playoffs, which are bonus football games," Aragon coach Steve Sell said.
The teams don't share a history together, which should make the matchup between the Chargers (6-4) and Dons (7-3) especially intriguing.
“We are always anxious and excited,” said Sell. “We have never played Leland so it is always exciting to play a team we have never played before.”
Both teams have registered their share of impressive victories, as Aragon has dominated Hillsdale 61-28 and defeated PAL champ Terra Nova, 32-31. Among Leland's wins were landslide victories over Independence (31-9) and Santa Teresa (26-7).
The teams will obviously need to get acquainted with each other, but several quick, agile and experienced players stand out on both sides. Aragon senior tight end/defensive end David Manoa is one of the top players in the PAL and is considered a crucial member of the team by his teammates. Quarterback Nat Blood is a top threat and combines well with his favorite receiver Aldo Severson.
For Leland, Matt McLaughlin (165 yards passing per game) leads a balanced offense that also features hard-nosed senior running backs Kenny Portera and Jack Pizzo.
“On Friday night, the [fans] can expect a good, exciting game," Sell said. "Both teams have great quarterbacks with skilled players.”
