Cibola needs win, or wins, over Kofa to keep playoff streak alive

 Masters of the comeback all year, Cibola needs its biggest one yet - one so big, it will take two games.

Kofa leads the Gila Valley Region by one game over the Raiders, with the teams still to play two games against each other. One loss, and

Cibola's two-year reign atop the district ends. Two losses, and the Raiders' streak of eight straight years in the playoffs is likely to come to an unceremonious end.

 The teams play at 7 p.m. tonight at Kofa, followed by the regular-season finale for each at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Cibola.

 Cibola shortstop Jose Vega said as nice as another region title would be, just getting to the postseason remains goal No. 1.

 "All we're looking for is getting into state," Vega said. "Region matters, but if you get into state, it's better. But it's going to be hard."

 Region winners get an automatic berth into the state tournament, with power-point standings filling out the remaining spots. A team needs to be in the top 16 in power points to make the playoffs, and Cibola (12-14 overall, 9-8 power-point games, 4-3 region) is 13th heading into today's contest.

  One win should be enough to hold on to a spot in the top 16, and that's the main focus of the Raiders said Cibola coach Duane Evans.

 "If we don't get a win here, our chances are not that great," Evans said. "We don't control what happens with the computer, but we have to control our own destiny."

 Kofa (16-9, 12-4, 5-2) got the upper hand in the region Friday with a 13-2 win at Cibola - a close game until a six-run Kofa seventh put the game out of reach. The win bumped the Kings up to sixth in the power points, making the playoffs all but guaranteed and a home game - awarded to the top eight seeds - very likely, at least with another win or two.

 Of course, Kofa coach Richy Leon knows not to take anything for granted.

  "We know Cibola is a good club," Leon said. "Not only this year, but they always seem to find a way to peak right toward the end and get things done and come back in games and come back in seasons.
 "All year we've been preaching it doesn't matter who you compete against and just play the game the way it's meant to be played and good things will happen," he said. "But obviously it's hard to ignore what's riding and who you're playing. If that motivates you ,then go ahead and have fun."

 Preston Burrell (4-3) will pitch for the Kings. Burrell has come on strong in region play, lowering his ERA to 4.03. Leon said Burrell might have a pitch count, as he wants the senior fresh for Saturday's playoff game. Jerry Renteria will take the mound for the Raiders.

 The Kings will also benefit - maybe - from the return of Sergio Sanchez and Tyler Owl to the middle of the lineup. Both missed the last two games due to grades, and Leon said he expects both back tonight, but won't know for sure until this morning.

 Kofa scored 13 runs without the duo, who are hitting a combined .444 with three home runs.

 Their possible return just adds further to an already adversity-filled season for the Raiders, who started the season 0-5 and had another stretch where they lost five of six games.

 "We've been in this situation pretty much throughout the year: We've been up, we've been down,' Evans said. "This is just another situation we have to go out and get something done. I think we're aware of if we don't get something done, this season could be over."

 And with so much on the line for the Raiders, Leon still expects his Kings to be properly motivated.

 "It's a big-time, emotional game against a big-time rival," Leon said. "They're very excited about the possibilities. Not only that, but it looks like we're pretty much in the state tournament. ... Hopefully we come out and play hard and good things will happen."