Tonight's game between the Mavericks and Panthers matches two fantastic defenses against eachother's offenses - expect a very competitive game. It's win or go home. There is no tomorrow for the loser. Who will make the big plays? Who will force more turnovers? Which team will advance to the semi-finals against Carlsbad or Chula Vista?

Here are the keys to a Maverick victory:

Stop Vista QB David Fisher - Vista's Quarterback is a duel threat QB, meaning he can run just about as well as he can pass. Fisher, who has completed 85-of-151 passes for 10 touchdowns, is very capable of pulling down the ball and taking off on the rush when no receiver is open. These types of quarterbacks are frustrating for a defense to defend because they are unpredictable. We'll see how Brown combats this - will he place a spy on the quarterback?

Create turnovers - Playoffs games on any level are often dictated by the turnover differential. A La Costa Canyon example of this is when my team played in the quarterfinals against Fallbrook in 2003. Sloppy play on our side resulted in 6 turnovers - we lost the game 23-21. In tonight's game, which defense will create more takeaways - interceptions, strips, blocked kicks, etc? La Costa Canyon has done a sufficient job all year with 23 takeaways, compared to Vista defense's 15. In a game with two good defenses, expect turnovers to determine the victor tonight.

The Stars Must Shine - Although any game involves an all around team effort, in big games, the best players must stand up and make their presence felt. For La Costa Canyon, Sebastian Frausto, Kenny Stills, Micahel Kaiser, Connor Garrett, and Jacob Driver (North County Times defensive player of the eyar) must make some noise on the field. If Frausto-Stills connection can come alive and produce some big offensive plays, and Driver, Kaiser, and Garrett can stone the Vista run game, expect a Maverick victory.

Win the Special Teams Game - Connor Garrett is one of the most dangerous return-men in North County. His big punt and kickoff returns have set up the Maverick offense with great field position in nearly every game. No time will big special teams returns be more crucial than tonight. When facing a stingy stingy, like Vista's, field position is absolutely crucial. It's much easier to only have to go 50 yards to score a touchdown rather than 90. Also in the conversation of field position, La Costa Canyon kicker Robert Zalud must boom the ball deep on kickoffs and punts.

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Prediction: La Costa Canyon 28 Vista 20