Monday Night Football arrives in Moraga as Campo and Miramonte renew their rivalry on the gridiron
/By Connor Buestad | Connor@Section925.com
Never on record have we seen a Monday Night Football matchup between crosstown rivals Campolindo and Miramonte, but due to the devastating fires in the North Bay last week, we have found ourselves with the rare treat of high school football to kick off our week. With skies deemed too smokey on Friday by league officials, the showdown has been pushed under the bright lights of Monday night in Moraga at 6pm.
For the past six years of this storied rivalry, Campolindo has more or less been beating up on the Matadors as the Cougars have elevated their program to new heights with two state championships this decade. But despite their recent struggles, Miramonte comes into tonight with an impressive 5-1 record, with their only blemish coming to East Bay power Clayton Valley on the road last week. The Mats shouldn't be at all intimidated on Monday as they are led by senior quarterback Xavier Clark and senior running back Peter Stehr, both of which have enough athleticism to break off a touchdown anytime they touch the ball.
Campo, meanwhile, enters the contest confident they can take care of the Matadors for the seventh year in a row as they will be playing in front of their fabled "Red C" student section inside Bob Wilson Stadium. The Cougars have been tested early this year with losses to Marin Catholic and Rancho Cotate, but have since righted their ship behind the guidance of Kevin Macy. The signal caller for Campo this year is John Torchio, son of former Cal QB and Section925.com football insider J Torchio. The senior is relatively inexperienced at quarterback as last year he played wide receiver, but he has proven to be a dual threat who can both air out the long ball and tuck and run for extra yards at the drop of a hat.
Now with the Bay Area smoke cleared and the Monday night lights queued up, is it finally time for the Cougars let down their guard and lose to Miramonte? Perhaps the Mats will bring a slough of trick plays to the table after the extra few days of prep? Or will Campo again prove their dominance? Seciton925's staffers have offered up their fearless picks below...
Connor Buestad's pick: Miramonte 38 - Campolindo 37
Josh Hunsucker's pick: Miramonte 35 - Campolindo 33
Tripper Ortman's pick: Campolindo 38 - Miramonte 13