The loss of running back Harrison Evens and quarterback David Viel was the biggest concern heading into the season for Marcos de Niza. The Padres were fine in the earlygoing, averaging 40 points per game through the first four weeks of the season in blowout victories.
But Marcos scored only 17 in a 3-point win over Mesa Westwood on Oct. 3 and a season-low 11 in the team’s first loss last week to Phoenix Pinnacle.
Coach Roy Lopez doesn’t seem too worried about the offense. Pinnacle’s defense has been one of 5A-II’s best all season, and Lopez was quick to credit the Pioneers.
Marcos plays Scottsdale Horizon tonight, a team that held them to nine points last season, but has struggled mightily in 2008. The Padres must find some offensive consistency because the last two region games will be against Mesa Skyline and Mesa Desert Ridge, two teams that can put points up in a hurry.
One quick injury note on Marcos: linebacker Anthony Rose missed the Westwood game with a minor knee injury, but was the team’s leading tackler against Pinnacle and will play against Horizon.
