Sage Hill (1-6) vs. Capistrano Valley Chr. (0-7)

When: Tonight, 7

Where: San Clemente High

Key Lightning: Jr. OT-DE Adam Donchess (63 tackles); Jr. WR-LB Dusty Orrantia; Sr. OLB Justin Barbour.

Key Eagles: So. RB-LB Neakzaad Horriat (326 rushing yards, team-high 48 tackles); Sr. OL-DL Lance de Haas (6-foot-5, 300-pound college prospect).

Breakdown: The winner of the Academy League-opening clash will likely only need to defeat Brethren Christian to secure one of two guaranteed berths in the CIF Southern Section East Valley Division playoffs. The loser faces an extreme uphill battle to make the postseason ... Sage has lost five straight, including two straight shutouts, and has been outscored, 203-50, during the streak ... CVC has lost 10 straight, dating back to last season, including a 60-37 season-ending setback to the Lightning in 2007 ... ... Sage has not scored in 11 quarters ... The five-game losing streak is Sage’s longest since a six-gamer in 2003.

— Barry Faulkner