GOLD MINE GAME OF THE WEEK: ST. BONAVENTURE (VENTURA) AGAINST CAMARILLO

Left tackle Sean Chisolm (No. 76)  is one of several underrated college football prospects on Camarillo. He'll deal with a fast and athletic St. Bonaventure (Ventura) team at Ventura College on Friday, Oct. 9 (photo by Lorenzo Reyna). 

For too long, St. Bonaventure High School was the face of Ventura County football, while Camarillo High was the middle child: the one getting overlooked.

But today, the Scorpions have gotten the 805’s and the state’s attention with their 5-0 start, and are now ready to prove that they’re the big brother of the county football scene.

The Seraphs don’t plan on laying down easily. St. Bonnie comes in red-hot with a five-game winning streak, including a 63-34 trouncing of CIF state playoff qualifier Redlands East Valley.

This heavyweight showdown at Ventura College could be standing room only, with seats likely to get filled early. Here’s a breakdown:

ABOUT THE SCORPIONS: Camarillo doesn’t just score at will, the Scorps are led by some of the most underrated stars in the state.

Quarterback Jake Constantine continues to be a nightmare for defensive coaches with 1,257 yards, 18 touchdowns and three interceptions. Plus he’s put up those numbers without a single scholarship offer. Running back Isaiah Otis has become a late bloomer on the recruiting trail with 94 carries, 719 yards and 12 touchdowns. He too is without an offer. 

Camarillo is deep at wide receiver; with Frankie Tostado, Elijah Alexander, Colby Stevens and Desmond Clancy all catching an array of passes. But the Scorps discovered a new weapon in Ryan Muscarella against Ventura. The senior caught four passes for 143 yards and caught two touchdowns in the 48-7 trouncing of the Cougars.

In the trenches, Sean Chisolm protects the blind side for Constantine and opens the running lanes for Otis. Defensively, Bronson Smith sets the tone at defensive end, while linebackers Brett Herron and Brett Triebold lead the run-stuffing charge.

Safety Collin Kirksey is Camarillo’s go-to-guy when the Scorps’ defense calls for a blitz from the secondary.

ABOUT THE SERAPHS: After a 32-30 loss to West Hills (Chaminade), St. Bonnie has gone on a scoring frenzy – with five straight games of scoring 40 points or more.

Leading the offensive charge is dual-threat quarterback Darius Vines, who recently got his first scholarship offer from Eastern Washington. Chris Santoyo returns at running back for the Seraphs. He had a breakout night of 286 yards and one touchdown in last year’s 28-10 victory over the Scorpions. Santoyo has also emerged as one of St. Bonnie’s top cover cornerbacks. 

Chris Santoyo took control of the Seraph running game with 286 yards and one touchdown in last year's 28-10 road win at Camarillo (photo by Lorenzo Reyna). 

Big 6-foot-4, 320-pound Casey Roddick doubles as guard and tackle for the Seraph offensive line. The Seraph defense brings loads of speed to counter the Scorpions’ fast-paced offense. Linebacker Josh Inglis leads the LB unit, while Keegan Romero brings versatility at strong and free safety. Romero is an aggressive hitter especially on angle pursuits. 

BEST MATCHUP: Casey Roddick versus Bronson Smith. This should be a scrapper fest at the line of scrimmage. These two will likely cross paths especially in the passing game.

DON’T SLEEP ON: Ryan Muscarella. He broke out in Camarillo’s last game, especially on a team with more celebrated wideouts Tostado, Stevens and Alexander. Camarillo will likely go to him on swing passes and play action bombs.

GAME INFORMATION: The varsity football kickoff is 7 p.m. at Ventura College.