THE MAN—Through two games, Oaks Christian running bacMalcolm Jones has tallied 409 rushing yards and five TDs. Lights, camera, action—the Oaks Christian football team is going prime time.

In a ballyhooed battle between a pair of programs ranked in the top 20 nationally by USA Today , Oaks Christian travels to Sammamish, Wash., to take on the Skyline High Spartans in a sold-out showdown that’ll be televised live on ESPNU.

In the most recent USA Today Super 25 rankings, OCHS was No. 6 in the country while Skyline came in at No. 17, one spot behind St. Bonaventure of Ventura. Both the Lions and Spartans are ranked No. 1 in their respective states by MaxPreps.com.

Skyline, a twotime defending Washington state champion, has won 30 consecutive games, with the team’s last defeat coming on Nov. 3, 2006.

The Lions, meanwhile, have been victorious in 23 games in a row. Oaks Christian’s last loss came at the hands of rival Oak Park on Oct. 19, 2007.

To add even more intrigue to the contest, Oaks Christian head coach Bill Redell will be shooting for his 200th career high school coaching victory.

In addition, Lion senior quarterback Nick Montana and senior offensive lineman Erik Kohler have both verbally committed to the University of Washington, meaning the hometown Huskies fans in attendance will be eyeing those two closely.

Suffice it to say, there’s a lot at stake for everyone Friday night.

“If we play like we’re capable of playing, then people on a national level will realize that we are legit and that we can play with the best teams anywhere at any time,” said Lion junior free safety/ wide receiver Eric Moersen.

In past years, Oaks Christian’s nonleague schedule has been criticized as being too soft. While Redell disputes those claims, there’s no doubt that OCHS has opted to take on some heavy hitters in 2009.

The Lions have already defeated Alemany and Muir this season, and games against Venice and Long Beach Jordan loom on the horizon. Still, this weekend’s showdown may serve as the biggest litmus test of all.

Prior to Monday’s practice session, Redell said the Skyline game ranks right up there with the school’s first gridiron clash against St. Bonaventure in 2006 as well as the state title game against Cardinal Newman later that same year.

“Those games had more state implications, while this game has more national implications,” Redell said. “Plus, if we can beat Skyline, then I don’t think people can be so critical of our schedule.”

Oaks Christian’s defense, which recorded a shutout against Muir at home last weekend, faces a stiff challenge trying to contain Skyline’s BYUbound quarterback, Jake Heaps, and his favorite target, 6-foot-2, 200-pound wideout Kasen Williams.

“I’ve seen film, and their quarterback is a very good pocket passer,” said OCHS senior cornerback Max Napolitano. “When in doubt, he’ll just throw it up to his big receiver.”

On offense, senior running back Malcolm Jones continues to carry the load for the Lions. Jones had 409 rushing yards and five total touchdowns in the team’s first two games.

Dakota Peterson, a starter at center and along the Lions’ defensive line, said the national spotlight won’t affect the OCHS players.

“We’ve been on television before,” Peterson said. “As long as we stay focused, we’ll be fine.”
Players to Watch
OCHS Skyline
QB Nick Montana
RB/LB Malcolm Jones
QB Jake Heaps
RB/DB Nick Washburn
WR/DB Jordan Payton WR/DB Kasen Williams
OL/DL Cassius Marsh
LB Anthony De Matteo
Outlook
A national television audience on ESPNU, rabid
fans and one of the finest high school teams in the
country await the Lions as they travel to
Washington. Quarterbacks will be in the spotlight
as Skyline’s Jake Heaps, a BYU commit, attempts
to outduel Washington-bound Nick Montana.