Orange Belt Power Rankings: Football - Nov. 19
1. Exeter — 6-4 - Next: Bye
The Monarchs couldn’t match up with the Vikings and, if they get by Wasco (A third Wasco Orange Belt cameo? That means a third time looking at that 1940s offense, great.) they’ll get a rematch against Tyler Bray. Exeter got an exciting 34-27 victory over CVC when Austin Albison threw 45 passes. That’s very uncharacteristic of the Monarch offense, but it showed they can put up yards — and points — through the air when they need to. Not a good sign for the Tigers, but this should be an excellent matchup.
2. Porterville — 7-3 - Next: vs. Independence
All David Ali fantasy owners were celebrating after his 4-TD performance in the Granite Bowl, propelling the Panthers to a 41-28 win over Monache. Porterville gets the No. 3 seed in the Division III playoffs and should have no problems getting by No. 14 Independence, which is in the playoffs thanks to winning the makeshift South Central Sequoia League (over three other fellow first-year programs). Porterville has a solid shot to get into the semifinals where No. 2 Tehachapi (which beat Taft before also losing to Wasco) should be waiting.
3. Strathmore — 7-3 - Next: Bye
The Spartans move up again after a hard-fought battle with league champion Corcoran. Daniel Magana and Dain Madrigal were constantly in the Panthers’ backfield, combining for 21 tackles, forcing three fumbles and a recovering one. Strathmore gets to rest as it has a bye into the semifinals of the D-VI playoffs. Will have to win the title on the road most likey as defending champ Tranquility, which didn’t quite have the SOS (Strength of schedule) Strathmore did, got the top seed.
4. Lindsay — 7-4 - Next: vs. Fresno Christian
Get the ice ready, plug in the electric stimulatormachines and heat pads because Operation Back to Health is the top priority for the Cardinals this week. Fresno Christian at home should not be a problem, but the chances are very slim that Lindsay can go on the road (1-4 this season) and beat No. 3 Liberty (Madera) without Jonathan Duarte, Gary Baker and Adam Gamboa.
5. Monache — 3-7 - Next: Season over
Put a scare into Porterville by cutting a 20-point halftime lead down to six. Sabastian Bates torched the Panthers’ secondary for 138 yards on nine catches despite playing injured. He and QB Pablo Martinez formed the best aerial connection in the Orange Belt this season, hooking up 43 times for 751 yards and 9 TDs. Martinez capped a stellar senior season with a season-high 229 yards to put his stat line at 1,643 yards and 15 TD tosses.
6. Granite Hills — 0-10 - Next: Season over
Can only get better. Blas Roman, Brandon Avalos and Raul Mata lead a battle-tested sophomore class.
