Trojan's strike fast

The Cougars lost their season opener to Alisal High School (of Salinas) by a count of 37-15 on Friday, Sept. 5. The game was closer than the final score, but it was a costly turnover by the Cougars on a kickoff return that swung the momentum in the Trojans favor early in the third quarter with the score 23-15 Alisal.

Hit of the night: Punter Alex Luera lofted a kick into the Salinas night in the 4th quarter and Cougar defensive back Cameron Bruce made sure the returner, shifty running back Milton Grant, wasn't going anywhere. Bruce drilled Grant at the 12-yard-line as soon as the ball arrived, pinning the Trojans deep in their own territory.

He's got hands too! Linebacker Robert McKissock scored on a 17-yard pass from quarterback Trevor Romele for the Cougars second score. With all the pads and guards McKissock wears on his arms, shoulders and neck, its a wonder he can stretch out his arms to make a catch like the one he made, reaching to his left to corral the ball.

Special teams credit is due: Returner Beau Gregory broke off three long kickoff returns, including two for more than 60 yards, but his speed was not what made it happen. The other 10 guys on the field stuck to their blocks and didn't commit penalties, something so often seen on long kickoff returs.

Alisal showed that speed kills with long runs from speedy running backs all night. SLV will have to take better angles on defense when they know they'll be facing a speedster (or speedsters) at running back in order to limit the long touchdowns.

Photo: Lucjan Szewczyk/Press-Banner