Preview: San Ysidro vs. Mater Dei Catholic

Both South Bay teams, the San Ysidro Cougars (1-3) and Mater Dei Crusaders (1-2), are looking to get back on track in Week 5.

The Cougars travel to Crusader territory having lost their last three games after a season-opening win against Escondido Charter.

The Cougars scored 20 points in Week 1 and have yet to score that in a game totaling 29 points in their last 3 games.

Mater Dei, who is coming off a bye-week, has played a similar story this year. After winning their season opener 30-6 over Kearny, they had rough consecutive outings against El Capitan and Parker scoring a total of 13 points in those two contests.

The Crusaders, offensively, rely on the arm of Junior Quarterback Jarrod Rieta who has 422 passing yards and three passing touchdowns on the season. The first-year-varsity-letter quarterback is having a tough time reading defenses throwing 6 interceptions in three games.

Rieta relies on two receivers in the passing game, Sophomore Quentin Frazier and Senior Michael Pimental. Both have nine receptions and more than 140 receiving yards on the season combining for over 50 percent of the passing game.

One simple way to take the pressure of the quarterback is through the running game. The Crusaders lead back is Senior Luis Victoria who leads the team with two rushing touchdowns and 163 rushing yards, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt on 31 carries. Next in line with 25 carries is Jesus Lopez who averages close to four yards per carry.

Both offenses have struggled through the first part of the season, but getting the offenses in gear could prove easier this week as both defenses lack the athletic ability and depth when taking into consideration previous teams played this season.