Game of the Week: Showdown in division opener

“We’ve been talking to our players that the playoffs start now,” said Jefferson head coach Will Maddox. “In the Lake, you pretty much have to win out to make the playoffs. … To be honest, I like playing them right out the gate.”

Both teams are 3-1 and coming off of byes. Since getting worked 42-3 in its season opener by Half Moon Bay, Jefferson has reeled off three straight impressive wins, including a 48-8 win over South City two weeks ago.

Woodside opened the season with three straight wins, including a thrilling 35-32, come-from-behind win over Sequoia in Week 2 and a forfeit win over Gunn in Week 3. The Wildcats were saddled with their first loss two weeks ago, however, 31-21 to Leigh.

“We were kind of dinged up after that last game,” said Woodside head coach Justin Andrews. “This week (in practice), we’ve looked pretty sharp for the most part.”

Both teams come into the game rolling offensively. The 21 points scored by the Wildcats against Leigh was a season low. In their first two games, Woodside scored an average of 38 points. Jefferson has been even more prolific. After scoring just three points in the season opener, the Grizzlies have scored 53, 43 and 48 points.

“How much time do you have?” Andrews asked when asked about the challenges Jefferson’s offense presents. “Offense is what they’re known for. Their QB is very good. Strong arm, good feet. Their line is massive and physical. They have good athletes at receiver. It’s going to be kind of tough to keep them bottled up.”

Jefferson comes into the game with one of the most balanced attacks in the PAL. While averaging more than 400 yards of offense per game, the Grizzlies split that almost evenly between the run and the pass — 213 passing and 208 yards rushing. Quarterback Joaquin Alvarez is completing 62 percent of his passes and has thrown for nine touchdowns against just two interceptions.

The Grizzlies’ running game in one of committee, with five players having rushed for 96 yards or more on the season.

“We don’t have a single running back who kind of stands out, but we have a lot of guys and we keep them fresh,” Maddox said.

The ground attack should be bolstered even more now that Riordan transfer Peleseuma Briez has been declared eligible.

“He’s probably going to be the best one we got,” Maddox said.

Woodside also runs a spread-style offense. Unlike Jefferson, the Wildcats rely more heavily on the passing game as quarterback Brody Crowley is averaging nearly 240 yards passing, with six touchdowns and just one interception. After opening the season with a 166-yard performance on the ground in a 41-6 win over South City, Woodside has rushed for only 100 yards in its last two games, combined.

The defense and special teams, however, have also shined during the non-league portion of the schedule for the Wildcats. In three games played, the Woodside defense has come up with five turnovers, while David Silk and Luis Robles have each returned a kick for a score.

“We take special teams seriously,” Andrews said. “We just don’t throw guys on them. … For a lot of guys, they take pride in being on [special teams].”

One key matchup to keep on an eye will occur in the trenches where Woodside defensive tackle Christian Ochoa could end up going heads-up with Jefferson right guard Paul Matavao-Poialii.

“[Ochoa is] really good,” Maddox said. “Matavao, he’s real good, too. It’s going to be a good matchup.”

If the first few weeks of the season are any indication, expect a lot of big plays and possibly big numbers put up on the scoreboard Friday night in Woodside.

“My defensive coordinator is probably going to kill me, but to be honest, with their offense and our offense, not that we want to, but we’re prepared for a shootout,” Maddox said.