By Steve Ramirez
Friday night will be a homecoming of sorts for Wilson football coach Brian Zavala, whose Wildcats host Northview in a Valle Vista League game at 7. Zavala was the Vikings’ defensive coordinator for three seasons before taking over at Wilson prior to last season. “It’s definitely something I’ve been thinking about,” he said. “I left on good terms, so there are people over there I have a good relationship with.
“It’s tough to coach against (your friends), but we’re competitive, too, and that comes out. I know the kids are pumped up for it.”
It’s also a big game for both sides, with each team needing the victory to stay in the hunt for playoff consideration. The Vikings, who beat Pomona 35-20 last week, are 1-4 overall and 1-1 in league. Wilson, which lost to Covina, is 3-2 and 0-1.
“It’s going to be a battle,” Zavala said. “I think there’s a little more incentive that we both know each other, but we both need this one. We’re aware of all the factors that go into (finishing in the top two in league to get an automatic playoff berth). Who knows how the at-large formula is going to work? We have to take care of business.”
The Wildcats are led by Moses Vega, who has rushed for 399 yards and six touchdowns.
Northview, which also likes to run the ball, is led by Marquis Thomas, who rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns last week.
