Carlmont, Capuchino in similar spots

“Teams that are 4-1 are a couple of plays from being in another spot,” Rado said.

So while he accepts his team is still a work in progress, he is also resolute in his team progressing; making sure the mistakes that happen one week don’t happen again.

Carlmont will need to be on point this week, especially on defense, as the Scots hosts Capuchino at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Daily Journal’s Game of the Week.

“It’s the same team coach (Jay) Oca has always had. Physical and good defensively,” Rado said. “You have to be ready because at a moment’s notice, they can spring a trick play. … They’re going to be very aggressive.”

The two teams are very similar right now. Capuchino comes into its De Anza Division opener with a 1-4 mark. But the Mustangs seem to have figured out its offense. Take away last week’s 49-0 drubbing at the hands of the Bay Division’s Wilcox, in their previous two games the Mustangs had scored 27 and 24 points.

Scoring hasn’t been a problem for Carlmont this season. The Scots, behind quarterback Brody Zirelli and a commitment to the running game, are averaging nearly 30 points per game. Zirelli is throwing for 220 yards per game and receiver Austin Sotto has become the No. 1 target, averaging more than 100 yards with six touchdowns on 34 catches for 529 yards.

“We need to spread the ball around and Austin Sotto has been a beneficiary,” Rado said. “[Opposing defenses] are double covering him. Now other guys can make plays off him.”

Two other receivers, Dylan Sorensen and Lucas Robinson, have combined for 37 catches and more than 500 yards with nine touchdowns between them.

While the Scots’ rushing numbers don’t look great overall, they’ve rushed for more than 100 yards only twice this season, they are averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Rado said the key is being patient and not being afraid to run the ball — even if it’s for only a couple yards.

“We make sure that we’re running the ball enough to make sure it’s not just a drop-back game. … You need to give the quarterback a break, too,” Rado said. “You have to be patient (with the run game). … You also want to give your offensive lineman a chance to fire off, too.”

Where the Scots have struggled — and Capuchino, too, for that matter — has been on defense. Carlmont is allowing a little more than 36 points per game (Capuchino is at 28.6). But it’s when the Scots have been allowing those points.

In its last three games, Carlmont has lost by a combined 14 points — by three to Monte Vista Christian-Watsonville, by four to Sacred Heart Prep and by a seven to Mountain View last week.

“When you lose a game, or games, by a score, all the little things add up,” Rado said. “It’s never just one unit’s fault. Defensively, we just have to focus on the fundamentals. … Just getting stops in the crucial moments when you need them.”