Monterey High takes a 3-0 record into the Gabilan Division opener Friday, Sept. 18, against defending league champion Palma.
The Toreadores have outscored opponents 115-52 through three games. Palma, which went 11-1 overall and 8-0 in league play last season, enters at 1-2 after dropping its last two preseason games.
The matchup pits two coaches with shared history. Monterey coach Alex Besaw and Palma coach Jeff Carnazzo were on the same coaching staff five years ago, according to the Monterey Herald's John Devine.
Palma's biggest question mark is the availability of all-star tailback Eli Dukes, whose status remains uncertain heading into the Sept. 18 game. Without Dukes, Palma has already been forced to adjust. In a Sept. 11 loss to Hilmar, the Chieftains simplified their attack by switching to a spread offense. Quarterback Patrick Driscoll threw two touchdown passes in that game.
Palma still fell.
Monterey's offense, meanwhile, has been rolling. Running back Naesean Mitchell rushed for 235 yards, scored two touchdowns and grabbed a late interception in a 26-20 win over Seaside on Sept. 5 in the 61st Battle of the Bay.
The following week, seven different Toreadores scored touchdowns in a 62-6 rout of Overfelt. Mitchell added two more scores, receiver Cam Smith hauled in two touchdown catches and Gysai Foster added another. The Toreadores opened the season with a 27-26 win over Christopher on Aug. 27.
Health could be the deciding factor for both sides. An Aug. 22 Herald preseason preview noted Monterey carries the smallest roster in the Gabilan Division. Chris Keim, a returning starter on both the offensive and defensive line, anchors the Toreadores' front.
Dukes' availability for the Sept. 18 game has not been announced.
