Marcus Sanchez had a great view of Camarillo High's football games a year ago.

Not much action, but a great view.

"I was third string," he recounts matter of factly.

Playing behind seniors Samson Szakacsy and Trevor Gavin, Sanchez attempted exactly one pass in the 2006 season. It was incomplete.

The inactivity set the stage for a stirring senior campaign.

"It motivated me," he said. "I didn't want to do that again. I worked hard; everybody did on this team."

Not only is Sanchez first string this season, he's first-rate.

Heading into tonight's showdown matchup against host Oxnard High, Sanchez checks in as the county's top-rated passer with 1,968 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and a completion percentage of 61.8. He has completed 144 of 233 attempts, with nine interceptions.

None of this truly matters, says Sanchez.

"It's all about winning games," he said. "The line is blocking great. My receivers are making the catches. We've got some good running backs, too. Everybody is committed to helping this team win."

After finishing 4-7 a year ago, and settling for second place in the Pacific View League, the Scorpions are crafting a stellar campaign at 3-0 in league and 6-2 overall.

The season's most important game — at least until postseason begins — comes tonight. Camarillo will visit Oxnard (6-2, 3-0) with the league championship likely at stake.

"We're excited," said Sanchez, a 5-foot-11, 175-pounder. "Our goal is to win the league championship. We know we've got to play well against a very good team."

Focus and hard work through the offseason and passing-league competition earned Sanchez the starting role. He feels like his own personal breakthrough occurred in a defeat against Thousand Oaks in Week 4.

"Even though we lost the game, I felt comfortable playing against a very good team," he said.

The Scorpions haven't lost since, including a 3-0 roll in league.

Sanchez doesn't know where he will be next year, though he knows he wants "to play football somewhere." In the meantime, he doesn't want this season to end.

"I'm having a great time," he said. "I think we have a chance to do well in the playoffs and keep going."