As expected, La Costa Canyon beat up on Chula Vista, winning a game that once was once again determined in the first half, with senior runningback Seth Hanson scoring on a bunch of plays, including a spectacular one-handed touchdown reception in the first quarter.

The Mavericks (3-0) built a dominating 31-0 first half lead over the underdog Chula Vista Spartans (2-1). Seth Hanson began with 2 touchdown receptions. Bobby Zalud added a field goal. Ian Seau contributed with a nice 29-yard reception and solid defensive pressure. Dylan Laurino led the defense with big hits and contagious energy. Junior Garrett Krstich, who I am extremely impressed with, guided the offensive machine, throwing for 11-of-16 for 220 yards and 2 touchdowns in the game. Kenny Stills (5 receptions for 115 yards) added a electrifying punt return and 47-yard reception.

Everything seemed nice and jolly, until the second half, when Chula Vista made a strong run late, scoring 21 points led by quarterback Victor Perez and punt return-man Anthony Stanislaus. What does this tell us about the depth of the Mavericks?

While it is still early in the 2009 campaign, the Mavericks have yet to put a complete game together with the entire team. If La Costa wants to repeat as CIF champions, the seonds teams, the defense and the offense, must develop an identity during their time on the field. For the first team defense, Ian Seau and Dylan Laurino must take leadership roles and ignite the charge and inspire the defense, similarly to what linebacker Jacob Driver and cornerback Connor Garrett did last year. This is not to say the first team defense isn't playing well - they are - but they need to take it to another level if they plan on beating star runningback Ricky Seale and Escondido later in the season.

The Mavericks will face one of their biggest test of the regular season this coming week, heading to Santa Margarita High School (Orange County) to take on the Eagles of the Southern Section. The Eagles beat the Mavericks in a nail biter in the last 30 seconds last year at La Costa.