Who awaits Santa Ynez? None other than powerhouse Oaks Christian, the No. 5 team in the nation, according to USA Today. The Lions, perfect in 10 games overall — and 5-0 in Tri-Valley League action — are coming off a 56-6 lambasting of Nordhoff. In light of their regular-season finale, the Pirates invade Westlake Village on Friday night with a 6-4 mark (including 4-3 in Los Padres League play).
The California Interscholastic Federation postseason showdown has a few subplots, not the least of which is that involving Scott Arellano, who transferred from Oaks Christian to Santa Ynez over the summer. “It’s amazing and very exciting,” Arellano said, when asked his initial reaction upon discovering the Pirates would face his former team. “It’s an honor to play against them.”
As it happens, the Santa Ynez senior — who primarily serves as a defensive back, punter and running back — was in church Sunday when he received a text message from one of the Lions. “It took me a while to think about it, but I’m excited to see my old friends again,” said Arellano, who writes the phrase “Glory to God” on his wrist tape before every game.
Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell said the Lions actually anticipated playing Santa Ynez. “We thought there was a good likelihood, based on the standings, proximity and so forth,” he said.
As for Arellano’s return, Redell said the Lions were disappointed he left but now they’re happy for him. “He’s done very well,” he said. “Scott’s a fine punter, so we certainly miss his punting.” Another intriguing element to Friday’s clash would be the recognizable names that dot Oaks Christian’s roster: Those include Nick Montana and Trevor Gretzky — sons of you-know-who Hall of Famers — and Trey Smith, offspring of actor Will Smith.
But Arellano says there’s much more to the Lions than famous parents. “They’ve got the talent and the coaching,” he said. “It’s also the caliber of people. Their mentality is, ‘Let’s get down to business.’ Their players want to be the best.”
Redell asserted the Pirates have considerable talent, including senior QB Tyler Shean. “We’ve got to contain him,” the coach said. “They’re very well coached and don’t make a lot of mistakes.”
Although Redell said his Lions will play their “normal” game, they must do so Friday without receiver Smith, who is sidelined with a broken ankle. “Otherwise, we’re healthy,” Redell said. Pirates head coach Ken Gruendyke said he didn’t expect to be paired with top-ranked Oaks Christian.
“But you can’t cry over spilled milk. We’re going to compete against those guys,” he said, adding that Arellano has provided sufficient information about the Lions to confirm what Pirate coaches had already seen on game film. Gruendyke said Oaks Christian’s players are strong and talented on both sides of the football.
“It will be a good test, so we’re hoping our kids aren’t overanxious or feel intimidated,” Gruendyke said. “We can’t afford turnovers like we did against St. Joseph, or the game’s over. Our goal is to hold onto the ball, establish first downs and use the clock to come away with 3 or 7 (points) in the red zone.” The Pirates will strive to run off the edges and try play-action, to bait the Lions into overreacting.
“On defense, we need to pressure their quarterback (Montana), who’s the key to their offense,” Gruendyke said. How do Santa Ynez players feel about their toughest challenge to date? For starters, they’re looking forward to qualifying for postseason play.
“It’s amazing we made it after what happened last year,” junior center Daniel Fournier said, in reference to Santa Ynez’s 2-7 debacle in 2008. Said sophomore Blake Chaves: “I’m just happy to be a part of the team.” “It’s great to make history,” Shean said. Added junior Freddy Espinosa: “It feels good to bring back Pirate pride.”
The playoff path materialized Friday at chilly Santa Maria, where temperatures had dipped into the 40s by kickoff time. Before a modest home contingent observing the Saints’ Senior Night, it was the Pirates who celebrated early and often. Santa Ynez pulled ahead in the first frame on a five-yard run by Rowan Di Mase. Midway through the second quarter, it was Arellano’s turn from a dozen yards out, making it 14-0 in favor of the visitors.
Just before halftime, Shean connected with Zach Foss on a scoring strike, bumping the Pirates’ advantage to 21-0. After intermission, another touchdown dash from Arellano — who compiled more than 100 yards on 11 carries — made the lead insurmountable. Santa Ynez was far from finished, however, when Espinosa scored on runs of 3 and 15, respectively. Senior Adrian De Luna made good on all half-dozen extra points en route to the 42-0 triumph.
The Pirates’ defense, meanwhile, limited the Saints to 75 total yards. Immediately afterward, near midfield, Gruendyke addressed his players, each of whom was poised on one knee: “I’m so up about this, so proud of you.” Extra point: Senior Javier Trujillo, who sustained a dislocated elbow at Santa Maria, won’t suit up against Oaks Christian. The playing status of junior Andrew Miller, who had a badly bruised right leg, was undisclosed as of Tuesday. jluksic@syvjournal.com