BHS Football Notebook: Citrus Hill rematch looms

BARSTOW • Jose Rubio called it a carrot dangling in front of the Barstow High School football team.

It’s the carrot the Aztecs have waited nearly a year for.

If the Aztecs beats Palm Springs tonight they will likely earn the right to face Citrus Hill in a rematch of last year’s CIF-Southern Section Eastern Division Championship game. The Hawks beat Barstow 31-27 after the Aztecs held a lead with three minutes remaining.

Ever since, the Aztecs have been waiting for a chance to face Citrus Hill.

“It would be an early Christmas present to knock them out of the playoffs,” lineman John Britto said.

If both Barstow and Citrus Hill win, the game would be played at Langworthy Field.

The Hawks host Summit to open the playoffs. Citrus Hill (10-0) is riding a 37-game winning streak, has been ranked No. 1 all season and claimed the No. 1 seed in the tournament.

Although senior defensive back Carlos Jackson didn’t attend Barstow last year, he said he’s also pumped for the possible rematch. It didn’t take long to develop a dislike for Citrus Hill after his teammates told him about last year’s game, he said.

“It should be exciting because I didn’t get a chance at it last year,” Jackson said. “Maybe I can do something good for the team and help us get  a victory.”

Although the Aztecs must beat a tough Palm Springs team before they can face Citrus Hill, Rubio and the players said the potential match serves as a focusing tool more than a distraction.

“We can’t look past this game because Palm Springs is extraordinary,” senior lineman Philip Albornoz said. “Their team is all-around good. They have a good quarterback, good running backs and a good line. We definitely can’t look past Palm Springs, but not to is hard.”

Webb out
The Aztecs will likely be without leading rusher and receiver Curtis Webb for the remainder of the season. Although his grade point average was still being calculated, it appears Webb, who sat out practice this week, did not meet the required GPA.

Webb currently has 813 rushing yards on 148 carries, 316 yards receiving with 13 catches and 11 total touchdowns.

Rubio said it’s a hit for the team, but he still likes the running backs left in his stable.

“It’s one of those things if we show up and play without him, it gives someone else the opportunity to step up and make memories, someone else the opportunity to make something happen,” Rubio said.

Postgame meal
Palm Springs will provide a meal for both teams following the game. Rubio said he was surprised by the move but liked it. It shows that regardless of the game’s result, football is still just a game, Rubio said.