High School Football Preview: Costa Mesa vs. La Puente

Costa Mesa (0-2) vs. La Puente (0-2)

When/where: Friday 7 p.m. at La Puente High

Key Mustangs: Sr. RB Cody Merrifield; Jr. QB Ben Swanson; Sr. WR Christian Villaverde; So. TE Jack Perez.

Breakdown: Both teams enter the nonleague contest on losing streaks dating back to last season. Coach Glen Fisher’s Costa Mesa squad has dropped six straight and has been outscored this season, 64-9. Coach Erick Williams’ Warriors have lost five in a row and have been outscored, 37-12, in 2016…Mesa has struggled offensively this season…Villaverde had all nine receptions for 75 yards in last week’s 21-9 loss to Santiago…Merrifield had 72 yards rushing on 20 attempts with one touchdown against Santiago, and leads the rushing attack with 84 yards on the season…Swanson has been nine for 22 passing in both games for a combined 176 yards…La Puente lost to Sierra Vista, 10-0, in its opener, then fell, 27-12, to South El Monte.

— Barry Faulkner