Rio Hondo Prep’s explosive offense averages 40 points per game, and last Saturday the Kares scored 68 against Saddleback Valley Christian in a CIF-Southern Section Northern Division second-round playoff game.

Charles Quintero rushed for 244 yards on 15 carries and scored on runs of 8, 76, 7 and 67 yards. He proved too elusive and gained extra yardage on second and third efforts. But fullback Nick Preciado was just as dangerous in rushing for 153 yards and a 20-yard touchdown run to give the Kares a 47-6 lead in the third quarter.

But who made that really happen? Who executed the blocking schemes and opened holes? That was the seemingly under-appreciated offensive linemen, but they know when their skilled players get noticed that means they’ve done their job and they’re happy with that.

The senior-heavy line hopes to keep the lanes open when top-seeded and defending champion Rio Hondo Prep (12-0) hosts Salesian (6-6) on Saturday night at 7 in the Northern Division semifinals.

Seniors Daniel Morales, Jason Sterris, Wesley Mosher, Ed Drain and sophomore Dave Drain are the ones who get it started. They’re the catalyst to the firepower of Quintero and Preciado.

And they’re not your typical small-school offensive line. Ed Drain is a towering 6-foot-2, 170-pound lineman/linebacker and his younger brother Dave Drain is an even more intimidating presence at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. Ed and Dave Drain – sons of Rio Hondo Prep coach Ken Drain – are the last of the Drain lineage to play for the Kares.

“Daniel is our center and he has not made a bad snap all year,” Ken Drain said. “That’s been real positive for us. In fact, for two years now he hasn’t made a bad snap.

“Jason is the main guy on our offensive line. He tells everybody what to do. He’s kind of the leader there, and Wes, Ed and Dave play consistent and execute their blocks, which our running backs really appreciate.”

Family affair

Ken Drain and his sons Ed and Dave do their fair share of talking football even when they’re not at Rio Hondo Prep.

“They always have a question and we talk about games and upcoming games,” Drain said.

As for watching game film at home, Ken Drain leaves much of that to his oldest son, Devon Drain, who is a senior at Cal Poly Pomona and last played with the Kares in 2004.

“They watch more film with my older son than with me,” Drain said with a laugh. “He played here and he keeps score for us on the field and does stats.”

Drain always keeps it in the family. He attended and played football at Rio Hondo Prep and came up the coaching ranks with the Kares. His wife also attended there and currently works there, too.

Injury updates

Drain said everybody’s going to try to play this week. Parker will play despite a bad ankle and Cowell will play despite lingering pain from a separated right shoulder two weeks ago.

Jason Wiley, a 6-foot-4 senior wide receiver, has been out four weeks with a sprained ankle but will try to practice this week. He is a game-time decision for Saturday.

Said Drain: “If we can get him back that will help our passing game.”