Typically, in the past 10-20 years, Tulare-Kings County schools have had trouble competing with those from Clovis Unified in football. They know this and they're sensitive to it, all of which adds more meaning to El Diamante's game tonight against top-ranked Clovis West at Buchanan.

El Diamante is No. 8 in the Central Section and favored to win the West Yosemite League. Last year -- one of their best ever in football -- the Miners finished 10-4 and second to Mt. Whitney in the Division II playoffs.

Yet, in this Week 2 game a year ago, El Diamante lost 42-14 at home to eventual D-I runner-up Clovis West in a game that was virtually decided at halftime (28-7).

The Miners are catching the Golden Eagles at a good time because CW -- in a coaching transition -- is behind offensively. But the Eagles' defense may have no rival in the section, so it will be difficult for El Diamante to score 3-4 touchowns. And that's probably what it will require to win.