Shelled by the Falcons

It's in the past now - but it happened. Rival Scotts Valley High School demolished the Cougars 53-14 in a game that was only close in the opening minutes of the first half.

Not all is lost for SLV. In fact, instead of looking at what went wrong (The Falcons might simply be more experienced and more polished), this post will look at what went OK for SLV.

First Quarter: The Falcons recieved the opening kick and drove right down the field for a touchdown. SLV turned right around and mounted its own drive highlighted by a 41-yard over the shoulder grab by Patrick Salibi. Quarterback Trevor Romele delivered the ball in a spot where only Salibi could catch it, and Salibi hauled it in.

Second Quarter: Not much went the Cougars way. The Falcons scored three times in a matter of minutes and the game was decided by the halftime score of 34-7. The only question remaining was how many points SV could score.

Third Quarter: In the middle of the quarter the Cougars reeled off a 14 play drive spanning nearly seven minutes capped by Sean Conner's first touchdown of the year, a 4-yard run. Both teams scored only once and if it wasn't for a blocked punt that set up an 8-yard touchdown pass, Scotts Valley may not have scored in the third.

In the photo, Cameron Bruce prepares to tackle a Scotts Valley reciever. Photo by Lucjan Szewczyk/Press-Banner.

Fourth Quarter: Scotts Valley scored early in the quarter, but the Cougars Robert McKissock came up the middle and blocked the extra point. By the time the fourth quarter came around, both teams nearly emptied their sidelines and players that have not seen the field much of the year saw some live action with a chance to get their uniforms dirty.

Special teams was a mixed bag throughout the game. Kicker Alex Luera boomed two kickoffs and hit both extra points. However, two punts were blocked, including one for a touchdown. Luera was not at fault except he may need to speed up his punts when facing a fierce rush. Kickoff return continued to be a consistent strength for the Cougars as Beau Gregory's returns started the Cougars out past the 20 yard line on almost every possession.

Extra points are overrated

The Cougars didn't need extra points, or two point conversions for that matter, as they snuck by Hayward High 12-8 on Saturday, Sept. 13 in front of a hometown crowd.

They might have though, if it wasn't for the fact that their defense, penalties and tired legs slowed the big play potential of star halfback Dominique Jackson who doubled as an outside linebacker for the entire game.

Coach Morris said after the game that this game justified all the extra wind sprints because the Cougars were in better shape than their Hayward counterparts who huffed and puffed much of the second half.

The Hayward Band was something special though. After a shaky national anthem, the full band including a big brass tuba made every break in the action fun for the fans.

Strength in numbers: After breaking off an early 17-yard run, sturdy fullback Niuatoa Eleasaro was continually gang-tackled on most of his next 10 carries as the Cougars decided that strength in numbers was the way to bring down the big fella'. Eleasaro finished with 55 yards on the ground.

Linebacker on the loose: Robert McKissock drilled the Hayward quarterback Mike Fragaso twice before he was ejected midway through the second quarter. On the first, McKissock forced a fumble. The second hit from the 230-pound McKissock on the 155-pound Fragaso was so violent, the crowd let out a collective *ouch*. More later on the SCCAL's ruling on the personal foul that got McKissock ejected.

Punt this: The Cougars punting game looked good as Alex Luera boomed a number of kicks and the coverage team easily made it down the field in time to make the quick tackle on the speedy Hayward punt returners. Both teams let too many balls bounce on the turf and one SLV punt even drilled one of the officials (drawing a boo from the home team crowd) who apparently didn't see it coming.

Play of the Day: It's actually back to back plays. On a second down and nine, linebacker Bryce Harbert played perfect outside position, riding a blocker on a sweep to Jackson and exploded up to make the tackle for no gain on the elusive back. On the following play, Harbert came flying in on a play action pass and dropped the quarterback for a 9-yard loss igniting the Cougar sideline early in the third quarter.

Photos: Lucjan Szewczyk/Press-Banner

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

Jambor...D!

The Cougars finished second to Soquel in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League jamboree on August 29. However, after some unkowns coming in, the Cougars came out with some confidence from their strong play, especially on defense. Here a couple of observations from the four scrimages played in the fog.

*The billowing smoke from the BBQ must have been at least a little bit distracting to the players waiting for their next scrimmage. The hot dogs coming off the Cabrillo College BBQ were as good as they smelled.

*Except for his number, junior Patrick Salibi could have been mistaken for his older brother Philip (A 2007 grad) on a 52-yard catch and run touchdown against Aptos. Salibi, at quarterback to start the scrimmages, showed that if he's not the one who wins the QB job will contribute in other ways on offense.

*Hit of the night: Middle linebacker Robert McKissock filled the hole against an Aptos running back and drove him back four yards before de-cleating him and smashing him to the ground.

*Play of the night: One play, especially, got a rousing cheer from the Cougar bench and coaching staff. Outside linebacker Bradley Hill made a perfect break on a short pass pattern in the right flat, knocking the ball away with his left hand and delivered a big hit on the reciever at the same time.

*With the ball in his hands, Beau Gregory always seems to fall forward for an extra two yards.