the other is this week's opponent, Taft.

The Wildcats' program is one of intrigue.  No one knows for sure where Taft actually laid down their spark for program success after a dismal 90's campaign that had them getting outscored by the Warriors 186-0 in four straight losses from 1996 to 1999.

In barbershop talk, some may say that it was the victory over the Warriors in 2000, when the double-pass gave way for a 35-34 Wildcat shocker and a share of the SSL-title.

Others may say it was the 29-27 victory over Dos Palos in the playoffs on 2002, serving notice to the sequoia ranks that the Wildcats could hit hard, and fight for the top spot year-after-year.

But maybe it wasn't the games at all.  No...maybe it was the attitude...spawned by the arrival of Taft head coach Tim Mash, who, if anything...has Taft "believing" again.

"Coach Mash has run an outstanding program since he came into our league a few years ago," said Warrior Head Coach Steve Denman.  "His players hit hard, probably one of the hardest hitting in the league on defense....we're looking forward to the game, Taft has been a tough opponent the past couple of years." 

The defense boasted by Taft is one of the best in the valley, led by a linebacking corps that is arguably one of the best man-for-man tandems in quite some time by a sequoia team, led by James Carter, Frank Seiuli, Jeff Fannon, and sophomore Matt Bryant.  The defensive lineman for Taft are experts at stuffing the run, led by Ricky Vasquez and Kellen Schroeder.

On offense, senior quarterback Jason Wade generals a supporting staff that features the best wide receiver in the SSL, and a runningback in Daniel Kerr that logged 70 yards on 15 carries in a week five 29-13 win over Coalinga.  Aaron Harlan, the wide receiver that is considered one of the best in league, had 112 yards and a touchdown reception in that same game.

Other players that could receive considerable touches of the pigskin include Brian Peters, Tyler Beath, backup QB Drake House, and Fannon.  On the ground, Matt McKnight and Seiuli will spell Kerr in the ground attack, and will look for running room to be paved from talented offensive lineman Keith Howes, Joe Morris, Chase Blackwood, Guillermo Lozolla, Marshall Blackburn, and tight end Brad Meadows.

Jason Wade, the star QB for Taft, is more than capable of putting up big numbers, with four 100-yard passing nights and nine touchdown passes thrown this year.  Harlan has had four of those touchdowns thrown to him, but bear in mind he has also accepted a TD reception on a double-pass from tight end Brad Meadows in the 42-0 victory over Porterville...so watch out for that play Warriors.

For Tehachapi to win this game, they will need to take a page out of Woodlake's defensive scheme, who held the potent Taft attack to only eight points and 155 yards of total offense.  The problem though is, no one in week's one-through-six has figured out the Wildcats' defense, which could spell problems for Tehachapi if a sound game plan is not established during practice this week and implemented on the game field.

Taft should provide excitement, and year-after-year, is slowly transforming into a great rivalry game for Tehachapi.  In short, if the Warriors want a crack at the SSL title this year, the lines will be drawn this week to find out who wants the title more....this game could very well decide the eventual champion.  In Taft's case, a victory over Tehachapi, and a Warrior victory over Garces, could pave the way for a tri-championship when it's all said and done.

Above: Taft Coach Tim Mash is hoisted by players after the Wildcats' 29-27 victory over Dos Palos in last year's Sequoia Division Playoffs.