Dos Palos hoping defense will slow down high-powered Firebaugh offense in WSL showdown
The Dos Palos football program can still feel the sting of an emotional 34-33 loss to Firebaugh this past spring during the shortened COVID-19 season.
Broncos head coach Rob Calvert opted to go for two and the win at the end of the game and came up short. “That game has been in the back of my mind since the spring,” Calvert said.
Senior defensive end J. Tapia remembers watching the Eagles players celebrate after the victory. “When they beat us they acted like they won a Valley Championship,” Tapia said.
The Broncos have been waiting for their shot against the Eagles this season. On Friday night they get their chance when Firebaugh (6-1 overall, 2-0 West Sierra League) comes to Bill Hume Stadium to face Dos Palos (7-0, 2-0 WSL) in a matchup that could decide the WSL championship.
“We’ve been waiting for this since they beat us last summer,” Tapia said.
The biggest reason Tapia and his teammates feel this time will be different is the improved Broncos defense.
While Dos Palos has been successful the past two seasons, posting a combined 16-3 record in 2019 and in the spring of 2021, the Broncos have been involved in a lot of shootouts.
The Broncos defense has given up an average of 30 points the last nine games prior to the fall 2021 season.
Emphasis on defense
Calvert said the coaching staff put a big emphasis on improving the defense this fall. Through seven games the Broncos defense is giving up just under nine points per game and has recorded three shutouts.
What’s been the big difference?
“It starts with the defensive line,” Calvert said. “They get pressure on the quarterback. Our defensive ends J. Tapia and Felix Garcia are able to constantly get pressure. Against the run our middle linebacker Miguel Padeiro is a workhorse inside. The overall effort is a lot better.”
The players point to a better work ethic in practice. They’re focusing more on defense.
“Last spring we only had two weeks to get ready,” Tapia said. “We put a lot of time this summer and in practice. If they don’t score, we win.”
The Broncos have posted shutouts in back-to-back games against Mendota and Tranquillity, but they know Firebaugh’s high-scoring offense will be a tougher challenge.
Explosive Eagles
The Eagles average over 46 points per game and are led by senior running back Danny Olivera, who has rushed for 1,549 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Containing Olivera will be key for the Broncos this week.
“We have to stop No. 26 (Olivera),” Garcia said.
“If we stop Danny, we win the game,” Tapia added.
The Broncos feel their changes on offense will help out their defense as well. Dos Palos has relied on the arm of quarterback Trent Calvert the past three years to win those shootouts.
Running Broncos
This year Calvert is using his legs, rushing for 499 yards and 15 touchdowns. He’s giving them a second rushing option along with running back Abraham Landino, who has rushed for 543 yards and four touchdowns.
While some of the big plays have been missing from the passing game, the rushing attack has helped Dos Palos control the clock and given the Broncos opportunities to rest their defense.
“Trent has been more of a dual threat, helping the running game,” Rob Calvert said. “Defenses can’t key in on one guy. It gives us more versatility and we can control the game better without throwing the ball on every down. We can still throw it.”
The Broncos are ready for anything this week against Firebaugh.
“Our guys have been looking forward to this from day one after they beat us last time,” Rob Calvert said. “Since the beginning of the year this was always going to be a big game for them. This very well could decide the league championship.”
