El Dorado vs. Trabuco Hills: Who has the edge?

Quarterbacks

Kane Wilson has been impressive leading the El Dorado offense. He doesn't make a lot of mistakes and, even on an off night, does not take the Golden Hawks out of a game. Trabuco Hills experimented with two guys early in the season. Once they settled on Cory Brandt, the passing game has flourished. He has thrown 16 touchdowns to just two interceptions.

Edge: El Dorado

Running backs

The playoffs seem to have brought out the best in El Dorado's Devin Deleon and Trabuco Hills' Matt Wagner. The Trabuco Hills back is a half-foot shorter than his counterpart but runs just as hard, running between the tackles better than he does outside. Opponents have loaded the box to stop him and yet have failed to do so. Deleon opened the postseason with his two biggest rushing performances of the season, while scoring six times. He is also a very capable receiver out of the backfield.

Slight edge: Trabuco Hills

Receivers

There are a lot of dependable targets in this game. Trabuco Hills tight end Adam Mooney might be the best, as his 39 catches and 10 touchdowns leads both teams. El Dorado's four top receivers all average more than 14 yards a catch.

Slight edge: El Dorado

Defense

Trabuco Hills has allowed the fewest points in the county. El Dorado is third behind St. Margaret's. One through 11, neither team seems to have a weakness. From Trabuco Hills' Gabriel Lemon to El Dorado's Scott Galvan, there are several big names on both sides. El Dorado's Anthony Laurenzi might be the defensive player of the year.

Slight edge: El Dorado

Intangibles

The Golden Hawks lost a ton of talent from its 2006 division title team and have arguably been better this season. All season they have had a target on their backs and it hasn't mattered. They gave Esperanza a game in the season opener but lost, then reeled off 12 consecutive victories. The Mustangs were not sure they could get this far until beating Foothill. Now they could not be more confident. Add in the fact that several of these players lost in the semifinals, and you have a group that is oh so close to a year-long goal.

Edge: Trabuco Hills

Contact the writer: amaya@ocregister.com