If Spoto is to emerge as a truly special team this season, it will have to win its biggest game of the year without one of its most valuable special-teamers.

Junior Carlos Andrade, who nailed the winning field goal against Alonso earlier this year, had an emergency appendectomy Tuesday and will miss Friday's Class 3A, District 8 showdown against Lakewood.

The winner earns the district runner-up spot and accompanying playoff berth. The loser is eliminated from postseason contention.

Spartans coach Dale Caparaso confirmed the news in a text message Tuesday evening. Andrade, a soccer player, has 12 PATs this season.

Senior quarterback James Brown, last season's kicker, will fill in Friday.

"Not much of a difference," Caparaso said in his message. "James' kickoffs are a little deeper."