SD Prep Sports

SD Prep Sports: Football

Intrigue fuels fire in reshaped Mesa League

By Phillip Brents

Posted Sept. 10, 2002

If someone were to make an action-adventure film detailing what promises to be an exceedingly competitive road to this year’s Mesa League football championship, it might very well be be titled "Survival of the Fittest."

Certainly, with Eastlake’s move from the lower enrollment South Bay League to the larger enrollment Mesa League this season, the balance of power in the Metro Conference appears to have been redistributed. The Titans, winners of the 2000 South Bay League title, join two-time defending Mesa League champion Bonita Vista, 2002 preseason favorite Chula Vista, 2001 league runner-up Sweetwater and potential spoiler Montgomery in what quickly shapes up as a circuit in which there doesn’t appear to be much room for error.

"It’s going to be much more competitive than in the past. It’s really going to be a battle," Chula Vista coach Rex Johnson said. "It should be as competitive since the conference was broken into the two leagues. It’s going to be a dogfight every week. Injuries will be a key. I wouldn’t be surprised if two or even three teams share the banner."

Eastlake head coach John McFadden would like to see his team standing at the top once all the dust settles and the last ounce of blood has scraped from the field. So do four other Mesa League head coaches.

The Titans will definitely not lack for competition — nor will the rest of the Mesa League with Southwest’s departure to the South Bay League.

As for competing in the Mesa League, Eastlake finished 4-1 against their cross league rivals last year — defeating Montgomery, Sweetwater, Chula Vista and Southwest and losing to Bonita Vista.

McFadden, who is entering his third year at the helm of the Eastlake varsity program, looks at the move with a healthy share of optimism and enthusiasm. The Titans have advanced to the quarterfinals of the San Diego Section Division II playoffs the past two seasons while compiling a 16-7 record. "I think both leagues have tough teams. Whatever league you are in, you have your tougher teams to go against," he said.

Sweetwater head coach Eric Peterson is likewise looking forward to the added competition Eastlake should provide. "I’m excited. They’ve beaten us the last three years. We feel we’ll make a run at them this year," he said.

As for rivalries, there will not be a shortage. Eastlake’s annual "Battle for the Boot" contest against neighborhood rival Bonita Vista comes in the final game of the season. It gets an instant prestige boost: It could be for the league title. "The kids are already excited about it but there’s a lot of games to be played before we get there," McFadden said.

Football Parade of Champions

Metro Conference

1994: Castle Park Trojans

1995: Castle Park Trojans

1996: Castle Park Trojans

1997: Chula Vista Spartans

1998: Castle Park Trojans

1999: Castle Park Trojans

Mesa League

2000: Bonita Vista Barons

2001: Bonita Vista Barons

South Bay League

2000: Eastlake Titans

2001: Marian Catholic Crusaders

Metro Conference 2002 alignment

Mesa League: Bonita Vista, Chula Vista, Eastlake, Montgomery, Sweetwater

South Bay League: Castle Park, Hilltop, Marian Catholic, Mar Vista, Southwest

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