Dayton controls playoff destiny

Dayton and Sparks have two things in common - both are starved for a win and both are in a must-win situation in terms of their playoff situations.

Both teams enter today's game (7 p.m. kickoff at Dayton) owners of four-game losing streaks. Sparks (3-4, 2-4) started with three straight wins before falling on hard times, while Dayton's (2-5, 1-4) only league win came against Fallon about a month ago.

Dayton coach Rick Walker knows that one loss would probably means no playoffs, and the Dust Devils definitely won't achieve their goal of hosting a playoff game.

"If we win out we should end up fourth," said Walker, whose team finishes at Spring Creek and hosts Fernley after the Sparks game. "It's still in our hands. We can't get a home game, but we could still finish as high as fourth. We would have all the tie breakers."

Walker would love to see his offense pick it up this week. The offense didn't perform well as a group, though Kyle Onstott carried 19 times for 110 yards. Quarterback Kage Walker also completed more than 50 percent of his passes last week (15 of 27), but he only threw for 135 yards.

"We keep shooting ourselves in the foot," Walker said. "Our defense has been more consistent than our offense. They (Elko) were getting to us last week.

"I've only seen two films on them (Sparks), so I'm not sure how they will attack us. They play a 3-5-3. They have a solid defensive end on one side and a good tackle on the other side. The linebackers fly around you. They came at you from everywhere."

It's possible that quick-hitting running plays could catch the Railroaders in blitz situations, and the Dust Devils will certainly be looking for a way to spring the speedy Onstott loose for some long gainers. Onstott returned last week - after missing the Wooster game - and he had an outstanding game.

It will be important for Walker to effectively mix up what the Dust Devils do offensively in order to take some pressure off Onstott.

Sparks, like Dayton, runs out of the Pistol offense. The Railroaders have been inconsistent offensively, hence the losing streak.

"They run a lot of zone option," Walker said. "Their quarterback throws the ball well and their receivers really go after it."

Dayton enters the game relatively healthy. Lucas Jones is questionable with a shoulder injury. Dayton will suit up just 21 players tonight.

SPARKS (3-4, 2-4) AT DAYTON (2-5, 1-4)

When: Today, 7 p.m.

Where: Dayton High School

Coaches: Rick Walker (Dayton); Rob Kittrell (Sparks)

At Stake: The losing team would find itself out of the playoffs outright or needing a whole bunch of outside help.