Chavez Looks to Bounce Back With Key SSL Opportunity Against Taft

The Cesar Chavez Titans are traveling to Taft this week in what could be their best chance at a win in SSL play. 

Following a 48-0 shutout loss to Wasco, the Titans are taking on a Wildcats squad with the same record as theirs (1-5 Ovr., 0-1 SSL)

Taft’s lone win came in a 29-28 shootout over Del Oro, a team that Chavez lost to 7-0 to begin the season. And both teams suffered blow-out losses to SSL opponents to open league play. 

However, the Titans squad did earn their win much more recently than the Wildcats, who haven’t won since August. This momentum will be called upon as the two teams at similar levels battle it out on Friday night. 

For the Titans offense, the much-anticipated return of senior quarterback Javier Valdez will hopefully provide support to running back Armindev Batti.

Depending on the play of both team’s offenses the matchup will most likely hold a low point total between 25-35 total points. 

However, this point in the season would be a prime opportunity for Chavez to have a successful stretch. Following this week’s matchup with Taft, the Titans have a homecoming rivalry game against a Delano High School squad that had to take on the juggernauts of Kennedy and Shafter in back-to-back weeks. 

This two week stretch is Chavez’s most realistic chance at success, as their final two games come against those aforementioned powerhouse programs in Shafter and Kennedy. 

Ultimately, this week is a must-win scenario for the Titans if they have any hope of turning their season around. They are fully capable of taking down this season’s Wildcat squad, and thus the matchup will determine if they are truly capable of beating an opponent that is at their exact level.