Special seasons start with the special teams.

When you've got a place-kicker like David Brown, a punter like Garrett Graham and a team-wide tenacity that begins with how well one covers kicks, that's been the ignition switch for the Nordhoff High football team.

To excel on defense, to score points on offense, a Ranger first must prove his mettle while playing special teams, says head coach Cliff Farrar.

"If you want to be a starter, basically the first step is on special teams," said Farrar, in his 21st season as Nordhoff's head coach. "You tackle and block and show how hard you want to play. Our special teams have played very well for us this season. They've pointed the way."

With its special units as the building block, Nordhoff just might be headed to its first Tri-Valley League championship since 2003.

Coming off last week's gritty 24-21 victory over Oak Park, the Rangers stand 3-0 in league, 5-2-1 overall and hold the vanguard position in the Tri-Valley League.

Of course, that last obstacle is a doozy. Nordhoff plays host to three-time league champion and four-time CIF-Southern Section champ Oaks Christian (5-3, 2-1) tonight beginning at 7:30 p.m.

A Ranger victory all but locks up a league crown. An Oaks Christian victory likely ensures a three-way deadlock at the top.

"Our first goal is to make the playoffs," said Farrar. "Our second goal is to win the league championship. We've never shied away from the opportunity of playing for a league title, no matter how good the teams at Oaks Christian and Oak Park have been. We're proud of our own tradition in our program."

In Week 9, The Nordhoff-Oaks Christian matchup headlines what amounts to Championship Friday.

Host Oxnard will take on Camarillo with the winner all but securing the Pacific View League crown. Newbury Park, with a victory over visiting Moorpark, would cinch the Marmonte League title.

St. Bonaventure would do the same in the Channel League if it wins at San Marcos.

In the Frontier League, Santa Clara can wrap up an outright league championship in its matchup at Fillmore.

Oaks Christian doesn't figure to cede its Tri-Valley title easily. The Lions finally may have found top form in a 48-0 victory last week against Grace Brethren.

Then again ...

"I really don't know," says Lions coach Bill Redell. "It seems odd to say, but here it is in Week 9 and I don't know if we're over the hump yet.

"I know we're a very good team when we're playing well. We just haven't been consistent yet."

The Lions boast major weapons in quarterback Chris Potter (1,073 passing yards, 11 TDs) and running back Malcolm Jones (1,162 yards, 15 TDs). Wide receiver Chris Owusu has a possible chance of returning this week from injury, said Redell.

Nordhoff's Graham has thrown for 606 yards and five TDs, while Chris Gibson has rushed for 494 yards and six TDs.

Farrar said his team has won with a physical approach.

"Our offensive line is blocking well," he said. "We're young, too, with three of the five starters being juniors. That group has been a nice boost for us."

Brown has evolved into a major weapon with his powerful leg. The senior kicker has hit on 11 of 12 field-goal attempts, including a 47-yarder last week against Oak Park that turned out to be the difference.

Graham has provided accuracy and depth as a punter. The senior is averaging 38 yards per punt.

While Oaks Christian and Oak Park have played for CIF-SS championships in three of the last four seasons, Nordhoff has been an impact player in postseason, too.

The Rangers were semifinalists in 2003 and 2005, and a quarterfinalist in 2004.

"It wouldn't surprise me if we all do well in the playoffs again," said Farrar. "This is a great league. We all play tough preseason schedules, then we push each other in our league games."

Camarillo's matchup with Oxnard features contrasting styles.

Camarillo attacks through the air and features the county's top-rated quarterback. Marcus Sanchez has thrown for 1,968 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Oxnard counters with a physical running game led by Sam McCowan (650 yards, 8 touchdowns).

"They throw the ball very well," said Oxnard coach Mark Beckham. "Their quarterback is having a great season, and he's got some fine receivers to throw to. We'd like to hold onto the ball and keep it away from them.

"I think the winner will be the team whose defense does the best job. Whoever can stop the other offense should win the game."

Camarillo coach Dennis Riedmiller knows the Yellowjackets will want to win a physical slugfest.

"Absolutely," he said. "Our hands are full. We know that. We're both expecting a challenge and a great football game."

Oxnard is playing for its first PVL championship since 2002, the last of three in a row.

Camarillo won league titles in 2003 and 2005.