Eagles need a little survival

Estancia football pre vs. WestminsterGolden West League-leading Westminster heavily favored against visiting Estancia.Disappointed after a 20-12 loss to Ocean View High on Oct. 21, Estancia football Coach Brian Barnes raised his voice to his players to administer a little tough love.

But when the Eagles visit defending Golden West League champion Westminster tonight at 7, the Lions figure to deliver a more serious dose of tough, with precious little love.

“This is a real tough game for us,” said Barnes, whose squad (1-6, 1-2 in league) is still alive for a berth in the CIF Southern Section Division VII playoffs.

Westminster (5-2, 3-0), ranked No. 3 in CIF Division VII, has its sights set on another league championship, and, perhaps, a long postseason run.

Survival may be the primary goal for Estancia, which faces Saddleback on Nov. 3 in a game that may decide whether or not the Eagles make will make the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

But facing long odds against the Lions, who have won nine straight league games and 14 of their last 15 against Golden West competition, Barnes concedes nothing.

“There’s no way I’ll give in and I know the kids won’t give in,” Barnes said. “Right now, we have nothing to lose. All we can do is try to spoil other people’s parades, then see how the cards will fall.”

Estancia ballcarriers have been falling backward more times than not, as the Eagles enter the game with 131 rushing yards on 157 attempts this season.

Westminster, meanwhile, has used a strong running game and a capable passing attack to average nearly 31 points per game.

Coach Ted McMillan, seeking his 50th career win in his ninth season as the school’s head coach, relies heavily upon 5-foot-9, 165-pound senior Mitchell Nhep to carry the offensive load.

Nhep has rushed for 874 yards and 12 touchdowns on 108 carries. He also leads Lions receivers with 18 catches for 226 yards and one touchdown.

Estancia is paced by senior quarterback Ryan Watson, who has thrown for 979 yards and nine touchdowns. He has completed 77 of 173 passes with three interceptions.

Junior Matt Redding (23 catches for 296 yards and six touchdowns) and senior Ezequiel Villalvazo (17 catches for 240 yards and one touchdown) are Watson’s favorite targets.

Westminster junior quarterback Ben Chapple has thrown for 869 yards and four touchdowns, completing 54 of 112 passes with three interceptions.

The Lions have won three straight over the Eagles by a combined score of 118-28.

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