LJ FB: Face Central Fri., 11/10

Viking QB Jackson Diehl, who has passed

for 1,890 yards and 24 TD's, and run

for another 949 yards and 10 TD's so far.

Diehl was warming up before the Oct. 28

game against Christian High.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

By Ed Piper

The question against La Jolla this season has always been, How are you going to stop prolific runner/passer Jackson Diehl, the La Jolla quarterback, and Head Coach Tyler Roach's potent offense?

The Vikings have so many  weapons: receivers Nick Sebro and Kai Fukuda, runner/receiver Hank Hansen, Jackson's younger brother Carson in space--besides the multi-talented QB taking the ball to start the attack.

So, Central High of El Centro won the right to face La Jolla in the second round of Division 2 playoffs Fri., Nov. 10, Veteran's Day Holiday, at Edwards Stadium. The Spartans are champions of the Imperial Valley League, which includes Brawley, a perennially tough team, Imperial, Calexico, and Southwest High of El Centro.

Central (4-0 in league, 9-2 overall) eked out a 14-13 win over Eastlake at home in the first round of the Division 2 playoffs Fri., Nov. 3.

The Spartans, coached by David Pena, have used two quarterbacks, sophomore Luis Jimenez and senior Jonathan Real. Real is the bigger one at 6-feet-even, 180 pounds. They pass heavily: Jimenez is 81 of 123 for 1051 yards, with 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. Real is 44 for 81 for 507 yards, with three TD's and five interceptions.

The aerials go to Arturo Estrada, who has 45 receptions for 714 yards and eight TD's, and Emiliano Morales. The latter, a sophomore, has 47 receptions for 501 yards and three TD's.

The other option in receiving is Joshua Garcia, who has 15 catches for 233 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Their one running option appears to be Nico Viesca, a 5'8" running back carrying 185 pounds. Viesca 
has rushed 175 times, piling up 886 yards and 14 touchdowns.