Games today unless noted
The big game
Mar Vista (1-7, 0-3 South Bay)
at Southwest (2-6, 1-2), 7
This game may not mean much in the South Bay League standings, but it means plenty when it comes to neighborhood bragging rights. The Bell first surfaced as a prize for the winner of the Mariners-Raiders game in 1980. After a 10-season absence from 1990 to 1999, it was revived in 2000. Last year, The Bell fell into the hands of Mar Vista after the Mariners' 39-6 victory. Before that, Southwest had held the prize for three straight seasons. Can the Mariners keep The Bell in Imperial Beach? Mar Vista, led by J.C. Camacho and Momo Williams, will have to halt a seven-game losing skid to do so. Southwest, meanwhile, hopes to end its own losing streak with help from Enrique Gayton and and Carlos Ruiz. The Raiders opened league play with a win over Montgomery but followed with setbacks to Castle Park and Marian Catholic.
South spotlight
Chula Vista (4-4, 2-1 Mesa) vs. Bonita Vista (5-3, 2-1) at Southwestern College, 7: The surging Spartans, winners last week over Eastlake, will try to keep their hold on first place with a strong showing against the defending Mesa League champion Barons, who were stunned by Otay Ranch 52-7 a week ago.
Eastlake (5-3, 2-1 Mesa) at Sweetwater (0-8, 0-3), 7: The Titans must bounce back from an untimely loss to Chula Vista or risk falling victim to the struggling Red Devils. (Web: KBCsports.com)
Otay Ranch (5-3, 2-1 Mesa) at San Ysidro (3-5, 1-2), 7: The annual rivalry between the conference's two newest varsity programs, both first-year members of the Mesa League after beginning in the South Bay League, carries weight with the Mustangs in a four-way tie for first.
Hilltop (3-5, 2-1 South Bay) at Castle Park (5-3, 3-0), 7: The Trojans, who have allowed seven or fewer points in each of their league wins, are clicking at the right time. Craig Rasmussen threw two TD passes in Hilltop's win last week. (Web: KBCsports.com)
Marian Catholic (4-4, 3-0 South Bay) at Montgomery (3-5, 0-3), 7: Fresh off forfeiting its tie against Hilltop for use of an ineligible player, the Aztecs can bounce back and play spoiler against the Crusaders, who must avoid looking ahead to next week's match against Castle Park.
St. Augustine (5-3, 2-1 Eastern) at Morse (0-8, 0-3), 2:30: The Tigers are one of seven teams in the San Diego Section still fighting for their first victory of the season. (Web: KBCsports.com)
Player profile
Anthony Cazares, Chula Vista
On the field: After struggling through a two-win season a year ago, the Spartans have not only doubled that total but enter tonight's contest with Bonita Vista tied for first place. Cazares has been a key to that success. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound senior contributes at tight end and defensive tackle. “It's all about being Mesa League champions,” Cazares said. “We really want that to happen.”
In the classroom: After playing the piano some when he was younger, Cazares was thrilled to continue studying music at Chula Vista. His favorite class has him playing the piano and the guitar, an instrument he said is difficult to play but fun nonetheless.
Feels like home: Cazares moved to San Diego as a sophomore from American Samoa. Adjusting hasn't been too tough, he said. “The campus here is way bigger,” Cazares said of the difference between Chula Vista and his former school. “The people here are nice. School is also more challenging.”
Free time: When not playing football, Cazares said he spends plenty of hours doing homework or relaxing. He also loves volleyball, playing either setter or outside hitter.
– NICOLE VARGAS
Rest of the schedule
TODAY
Coastal League
Army-Navy vs. Horizon at Patrick Henry, 7
Christian at Francis Parker, 7
Eastern League
Cathedral Catholic at Scripps Ranch, 7
(Web: KBCsports.com)
Patrick Henry at Mira Mesa, 7
Western League
Serra at No. 9 Hoover, 7
No. 8 Point Loma at San Diego, 7
Central League
Kearny at Crawford, 2:30
University City vs. Clairemont at Serra, 7
Coronado at Madison, 7
Avocado League
Fallbrook at El Camino, 7:30
Vista at No. 4 Oceanside, 7:30 (Web: hitekradio.com)
Palomar League
No. 6 La Costa Canyon at Rancho Bernardo, 7:30
Mt. Carmel at Poway, 7:30 (Web: KBCsports.com)
No. 1 Torrey Pines at Westview, 7:30
Valley League
No. 10 Escondido at No. 7 Mission Hills, 7:30
(Web: xxsportsradio.com)
Ramona at Orange Glen, 7;30
San Pasqual at Valley Center, 7:30
Grossmont North League
El Cajon Valley at No. 3 El Capitan, 7
Grossmont at Santana, 7
Grossmont South League
Mount Miguel at Granite Hills, 7
Valhalla at No. 5 Helix, 7
Monte Vista at Steele Canyon, 7
Imperial Valley League
Calexico at Palo Verde, 7
EC Southwest at Brawley, 7
Mountain Desert League
Vincent Memorial at Holtville, 7 (Web: KBCsports.com)
Imperial at Mountain Empire, 7
Pacific League
Tri-City Christian at Julian, 3:30
Calipatria at La Jolla Country Day, 7
H-Town vs. Foothills Christian at Valhalla, 7
Nonleague
All Tribes at Escondido Charter, 4
TOMORROW
Coastal League
Bishop's at Santa Fe Christian, 2
Online extra
For more coverage of high school sports, visit SignOnSanDiego, the Union-Tribune's Web site: sports.uniontrib.com/highschool
Football rankings, standings, statistical leaders, results/schedules.
