The Wilson Bruins have had a rollercoaster of a season.  The 6-4 record doesn’t do it justice as the ride went 43 point win, 29 point loss, 22 point win, 38 point loss, 26 point win, 21 point win, 21 point win, 19 point loss, 44 point win, 36 point loss.  Mix into that multiple injuries at almost every skill position and the late-season tragedy of a fallen classmate.

What does all that mean? They get to travel and see Mission Viejo tonight at 7:30pm.

The key for the Bruins will be just slowing down a Diablo attack that hasn’t scored less than 49 points in more than a month.  They’ve outscored their opponents 464 to 90 as a host of running backs have combined to 2,290 yards and 36 touchdowns.  Exavier Edwards (#5)leads the team with 98 carries, 709 yards and 19 touchdowns.  Quarterback Dallin McEwen (#13) won’t wow you with his stat line (78-for-125, 1572 yards) but his 20-to-6 touchdown-to-interception mark and 62.4 completion percentage are impressive numbers.  The Bruins defense will rely on their lateral speed and stack set to keep the Diablo’s from getting the corner, in the running and passing game.

For the Bruin offense the key will be getting playmakers Ezell Ruffin and Josh Bell the ball in creative ways.  Quarterback Brett Harper can’t just throw it up to his tall senior receivers because Donny Ruggles (#2) Jake Marshall (#41) and Ethan Desilva (#9) lead a secondary that’s racked up 12 interceptions.  Desilva especially proves a threat as a 6’1” safety who won’t allow the jump balls Bell has thrived on.  Ruffin will get his touches out of the backfield, but it’s going to take more than ball control to stay with the Diablos.

The winner will see the winner of Notre Dame and Fountain Valley.