GOTW: Hornets tested early

Saturday night, Novato and Valley Christian face off in what could have eventual state bowl game implications. The Hornets, last year's state DII representative, will put their Top 10 preseason ranking on the line as they travel to San Jose against a Warriors team determined to prove they are a team of destiny.

The match-up pits two well coached and dedicated programs with a knack for winning section titles with balanced, potent offenses and stingy defense. Since 2001, each has won four section titles with Novato winning the NCS Class 2A championship last season, while Valley Christian's most recent section title was in 2005 (CCS Open Division).

Last season, Novato's (13-1) offense averaged 32 points per game and its "black swarm" defense had four shutouts while holding opponents to an average of 10 points per game. The Hornets' only loss occurred at the state DII championship coming up short 28-14 to a talented Oceanside team from the San Diego Section.

This season Novato, the preseason favorite to three-peat for the NCS/MCAL title, returns a strong base of 13 starters from last season's campaign. The offense should again be potent with lots of experience at key skill positons. Leading the Hornet offensive attack will be senior quarterback Jeff Stephens, who last season completed 63 percent of his passes for 2,812 yards and 29 touchdowns, and senior wide receiver Jake Davis, the leading receiver in the Redwood Empire with 64 catches for 988 yards and 17 TDs.

Seniors running back Kyle Campas, wide receiver/safety Mike Polvere, Logan Edwards, Dalton Copeland, and Josh Greenwell also return to a well balanced attack.

The Hornets' offensive line, while not large, is quick and anchored by seasoned returners, including senior Aaron McDonald and junior Andre Navekilpatrick.

On the other side of the ball, the "black swarm" defense returns a strong core with linebackers Edwards, the team's leading tackler, Greenwell, and defensive end/linebacker Tai Sing Hee. The returning backfield include Polvere, and Copeland, while the line reloads with smaller, but quicker guys upfront.

While Valley Christian (7-3-1) made an early exit in the first round of last season's CCS Open Division playoffs, the Warriors return a highly talented and experienced senior laden team expected to rebound and challenge Bellarmine Prep for the WCAL title. VC competes in arguably one of the top 5 leagues in the state, but still averaged 31 points per game and held opponents to an average of 12 points per game including two shutouts.

The Warriors' offense returns its starting backfield with a balanced offense managed by senior quarterback Cory Gambello, who had 1,004 yards passing and 12 TDs last season. The running attack profiles Cameron Marshall, an elite sprinter and highly recruited football prospect who had 807 yards rushing on 111 carries and 11 TDs last season and Daniel Johnson, another speedster who had 718 yards on 97 carries and 7 TDs. Anthony Olivares returns at fullback.

In the trenches, the Warriors will have lots of size and experience with returning starters Nick Matsumoto (6-0, 255), Chris Tozer (6-4, 295) and Austin Lowe (6-2, 250). They reload at the wideout position with Phillip Thrappas the sole returning starter.

Like last season, VC's defense should be quick and swarming with lots of depth. Key defenders include senior linebackers Robert Fiscalini, Lorenzo Jaso, and Josh Venegas, defensive end Matt Nilmeyer, and linemen Matt Steele, Jordan Epp, Peipe James and nose guard Isaiah Ray.

In the back field, Trappas returns at free safety, with Marshall and Johnson expected to also contribute at defensive back.

The season is long and there are many obstacles to overcome to achieve a bowl bid, but there is no question this match-up has many of the ingredients to be one heck of a football game.