Empire football previews: New North Bay League debuts

Friday marks the opening weekend for the new North Bay League - split into two divisions, Oak and Redwood - and the action figures to be chock-full of excitement.

One of the marquee games in the NBL-Oak is Ukiah (4-1) at Maria Carrillo (3-2). The Wildcats had a bye last week but are riding a three-game winning streak.

“I am concerned coming off a bye. You lose a little momentum coming off a three-game win streak and then having a week off,” Ukiah coach Jonathan Dewey said.

Dewey said the key to his team's success has been players who know their roles and assignments.

“Our kids are just doing their jobs,” Dewey said. “I have an older group of guys and they know what they are supposed to do.”

Meanwhile, Maria Carrillo is attempting to bounce back from a gut-wrenching 37-30 double-overtime loss at Montgomery last Friday night. The Pumas will hope to establish their running game and physicality against the Wildcats.

“Maria runs that single-wing offense and they like to play a physical game,” Dewey said. “We have had two weeks to prepare, so we will add a few extra things into our game plan.”

As for the NBL-Oak division starting a new chapter in Redwood Empire football, Dewey said there effectively isn't much change for Ukiah versus playing in the former NBL.

“The NBL doesn't feel different to me,” Dewey said. “League games are tough. They were tough last year and they are going to be again this year.”

In other games Friday:

WINDSOR Jaguars (2-3) vs. ANALY Tigers (2-3)

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Place: Analy High School

In another NBL-Oak opener, both teams will try and turn around mediocre records accrued in non-league play. The host Tigers are led by Nic Visser (570 yards, 66-101 with 3 touchdowns and 6 interceptions), the third-ranked quarterback in the league. … Analy has been outscored 166-78 this season. … Windsor is led by running back Leon Lorenzo, who is the second-leading rusher in league with 390 yards on 78 carries with 2 touchdowns. … The Jaguars have been outscored 154-54.

SANTA ROSA Panthers (4-2) vs. EL MOLINO Lions (1-4)

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Place: El Molino High School

On paper, this NBL-Redwood opener appears to tilt in the Panthers' favor. The resurgent Panthers are coming off a 33-13 victory last week against visiting Balboa (San Francisco). … Santa Rosa leads the league as a team in rushing with 1,690 yards, almost double the second-highest-rushing team in the league. … El Molino is coming off a three-game losing streak and had a bye last week. … The Lions are at a deficit depth-wise with a roster of 23 players, versus 32 players for the Panthers.

MONTGOMERY Vikings (4-2) vs. ELSIE ALLEN Lobos (0-4)

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Place: Elsie Allen High School

The Vikings are heavy favorites over the Lobos in both teams' NBL-Redwood openers. The Vikings are led by quarterback Cole Hallin (852 yards on 49-for-104 passing with 9 touchdowns and 2 interceptions) to lead the league in passing. … Montgomery is second in team rushing in the league with 881 yards. … The Lobos are coming off a 61-6 defeat last week at Vacaville Christian. … Elsie Allen has been outscored 242-36 in four games.

VINTAGE Crushers (3-2, 1-0) vs. PETALUMA Trojans (4-2, 1-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Place: Petaluma High School

In the third week of play in the Vine Valley Athletic League (VVAL), the Trojans are looking to build on their 31-28 victory last week at Justin-Siena. … Petaluma is led by top league rusher Garrett Freitas (625 yards on 56 carries with 6 touchdowns). … Vintage got its first league win last week in a 44-0 demolition of visiting Casa Grande.

JUSTIN-SIENA Braves (3-3, 0-2) vs. SONOMA VALLEY Dragons (2-4, 1-1)

Time: 7 p.m.

Place: Sonoma Valley High School

The host Dragons are attempting to rebound after a 47-0 defeat last Friday night at the hands of visiting American Canyon. … Sonoma Valley had trouble matching up with the speed and athleticism of American Canyon. … Justin-Siena is seeking its first league victory. The Braves have been outscored 210-117 this season.

Also Friday:

NCL I

St. Helena at Willits, 7:30 p.m.

Lower Lake at Cloverdale, 7:30 p.m.

Middletown at Clear Lake, 7:30 p.m.

Fort Bragg at Kelseyville, 7:30 p.m.

NCL III

Upper Lake at South Fork, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY'S GAMES

NCL II

Calistoga at Rincon Valley Christian, 1 p.m.

Stuart Hall at Roseland Collegiate Prep, 2 p.m.

Tomales at Branson, 2 p.m.

Non-league

Piner at St. Vincent, 2 p.m.