Long trip to Mariposa nothing new for Blazers

Walking off the field following his team's 42-6 victory at Dean Miller Stadium two weeks ago, Capital Christian coach Karl Zierhut said something pretty telling.

Yeah, the Cougars' win clinched the Golden Empire League title, but that's not why he was so happy. The victory was sweet because of the winning tradition and style of play of the school they just beat

The coach was happy because they beat Lindhurst.

A postseason rematch could be in the making, but first the Blazers must get past a long trip to Mariposa tonight to kick off the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V playoffs.

Lindhurst (4-6), which has played in three-straight section title games, got off to a rocky start when senior quarterback Kahlan Robinson broke his arm and was lost for the year.

But while first-year coach Dan Crabtree scrambled to get linebacker AZ Sutton acclimated to his new role as signal caller, the coach also found his team's identity in the form of running back Angel Vega. Although only 145 pounds, Vega's relentless running style has become the Blazers' calling card to the tune of 1,066 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

"He's the true meaning of a workhorse back," Crabtree said. "Everyone knows that we're trying to get him 25 carries a game, but he fights and scraps for those yards. He's a quiet leader and everyone looks up to him."

With Vega as the workhorse, Lindhurst's offense picked up steam as the season went on. Sutton has been effective throwing the ball, especially on the run, and junior receiver Stephen Paxton has become a big-play weapon with 433 yards receiving and five scores.

But while Crabtree likes to keep things balanced, the opposite can be said for Mariposa (5-5), which prefers to keep it on the ground.

"They don't pass much. They play power football and come right at you," Crabtree said. "We're an emotional team and feed off each other, so it's important that we come out with some intensity."

Cody Christopher leads the Grizzlies' ground game with 1,230 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns. And while his 8.98 yards per carry average is impressive, he's not alone as three other backs combined for an additional 1,240 yards and 18 scores.

Quarterback Jarrett Leonard only attempted 62 passes, but he threw eight for TDs while getting just one picked. Frankie Pena is their downfield target with an average of 35 yards per catch and five TD receptions..

The Blazers' will get a lift with linebacker Edgar Guzman back at full strength after injuring his knee two weeks ago. Crabtree also noted the play of Anthony Vega, whose been the quiet hero for the Blazers' defense by playing defensive line and both inside and outside linebacker positions to free things up for other people.