The Calhoun Six to Watch: Esperanza vs. San Clemente

November 18th, 2008, 10:11 pm · 9 Comments · posted by Damian Calhoun, OCVarsity.com since 2004

Esperanza (Sunset, #1, 7-3) vs. San Clemente (South Coast, #3, 8-2)

Friday, 7 p.m. at Valencia High

Outlook: You have to give Esperanza credit for its performance in the final game of the regular season Friday.

The Aztecs put a lot of pressure on Edison quarterback Matt Viles and took Edison out of its offensive comfort zone. Then the Aztecs, leaned heavily on running back Jared Moore (187 yards, two touchdowns) all the way to a 16-3 victory and a share of the Sunset League title.

Now, the Aztecs have to deal with a San Clemente offense that can run (with David Espino, Ryan DeLeon and Duke DeLancellotti) and throw it (with DeLancellotti to wide receiver Graham Tenney).

The key will be how DeLancellotti handles the defensive pressure from Lukas Lopez (nine sacks) and Sean Avila (six sacks). If he is given time to make plays, then the Tritons could be headed to the second round. If the Aztecs force turnovers and give the offense good field position, then you have to like Esperanza chances.

One fact to remember: In his team's two losses (to Tesoro and Mission Viejo), DeLancellotti threw five interceptions. The Tritons lost both games by five points.

Can the Aztecs stop the Triton offense? Will this turn into a “typical” Aztec game?

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kookyclemente says:

November 18, 2008 at 10:54 pm

Lets not forget the San Clemente defense, giving up 15 a game while facing 4 of the counties most prolific offenses in Tesoro, MV, Dana
& La Habra. In fact only gave up 7 combined in the second halves of the Tesoro and MV games. They can play and will contribute on Friday in a BIG way.

Chris Tobolski, OCVarsity.com says:

November 18, 2008 at 11:37 pm

Here's the numbers on that

San Clemente: 31.1 pts/g; 15.8 pts allwd/g

Esperanza: 20.7 pts/g; 13.2 pts allwd/g

Empire fan says:

November 19, 2008 at 12:55 am

Two very good teams from two very good leagues in a 1st round classic you got to love it!! I think San Clemente will prevail as i like the diversity of there offense in this one, going to be interesting to see how they do against Esperanzas running game and physical defensive line and if San Clemente can give there QB time to throw from the pocket

fealofani says:

November 19, 2008 at 1:45 am

Esperanza over San Clemente because the AZTECS have the HOGS they have always had big boys on the O-line the blocking schemes are consistent and will create a lot of problems. They will come out blow up the first level and work up to the second level very quickly and methodically.

doublede says:

November 19, 2008 at 7:41 am

That is exactly what El Camino of Oceanside thought, Sante Fee Springs & Tesoro...Huge O Lines. The speed portion of SC's defense is amazing. Very quick to the ball...I have it 28 to 7 San Clemente!

Go Tritons!

FWY League Fan says:

November 19, 2008 at 7:58 am

Thanks for giving La Habra props....I'd have to agree on the speed of San Clemente's Defense. However, I haven't seen Espy play.

Great first round match-up.

November 19, 2008 at 9:10 am

No slight on LaHabra just an old mind....I would not want to play that team again. Old school in your face program....Yes and a huge "O" Line. Good Luck in the play-offs!

Deefend says:

November 19, 2008 at 9:11 am

I agree with doublede,
Santa Fe's running back was good. La Habra's running backs are super good, as well as Tesoro, Dana Hills. If Esperanza wants to run the ball..... OKAY then bring it. He will see if San Clemente can stop the run.