El Monte's dual run/pass threat Brandon Martinez a game-time decision with ankle sprain

Rather than worrying about his quarterback's status, though, Sanchez has been trying to study a Whittier Christian team he did not expect to draw in the first round.

"I looked at all these different scenarios over the weekend and that was actually the last team we thought we would end up playing," Sanchez said. "I thought we would end up playing San Gabriel or maybe even La Puente or Alhambra. I was kind of blindsided when they said Whittier Christian.

"They're a No. 1 (league champ) and we're a No. 2. Last year, I was sitting here just hoping to get in. This year we're in, so I'm not going to complain about our draw. If we can consistently get in the playoffs, then we'll build a little bit of a better reputation."