Tough games in store

League action continues for Union Mine and El Dorado tonight in the Sierra Valley Conference while Golden Sierra plays its Sierra Delta League opener and Ponderosa its last nonleague game.

Two home games: the Bruins have their win streak on the line against Rio Linda and the Diamondbacks hope to stop a skid against Cosumnes Oaks. The Griz travel to Vacaville Christian while the Cougars are in West Sacramento to face the River City Raiders.

Rio Linda (3-1) at Ponderosa (4-0)

The Bruins are riding high after a string of big high-scoring wins but the Knights, with a winning record, could pose a challenge. Still, it’s easy to see the growing confidence in Ponderosa’s game — something to tap into tonight.

Bruin quarterback Jake Bist is hot right now and can pick any number of targets. Christian Canepa is one and is also a threat out of the backfield.

Defensively, Ponderosa’s defense, led by Jeff Camilli and Darren Brundage, is playing well. Last week the Bruins intercepted three passes to compliment the offense.

More of that with Bist leading the way and the Bruins could be 5-0 by 10 p.m. tonight.

 Cosumnes Oaks (3-1) at Union Mine (0-5, 0-1)

The Wolfpack’s roster size doubles Union Mine’s and the D’backs should expect a tough game tonight. Cosumnes Oaks won its first three before falling to Franklin last week.

Union Mine nearly defeated River City last week in shutting out the Raiders for the first two quarters. Sean Tow had a big game, his first, and he and his teammates will need to step up for the D’backs to have any sort of chance.

El Dorado (2-3, 0-1) at River City (1-4, 1-0)

The Cougars need to forget about last week’s loss and move forward. The Raiders won’t be Vista del Lago but should be tough on their home field.

Graduation and scandal hit River City since last season but the West Sacramento team managed to pick up a win last week at Union Mine and want to build on that tonight.

El Dorado must avoid a slow start, execute what they do best and bring the defense for a shot to even its record.

Golden Sierra (1-3) at Vacaville Christian (3-2, 0-1)

The Grizzlies are back in action after a bye week and face a team that lost 35-0 last week. The Falcons will be hungry to return to the win column, an area Golden Sierra hasn’t seen since the second week of the season.

If the Grizzlies can start well, defend and get some drives going behind quarterback Bryson Campbell they should be in this one.

Jerry Heinzer

Jerry Heinzer is going on 12 years as an employee of the Mountain Democrat and is currently the Sports Editor. Contact Jerry at 530-344-5074 or jheinzer@mtdemocrat.net. Follow @ JHeinzerMtDemo on Twitter.

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