Cloverdale runs record to 3-1, hosts Kelseyville on Friday
The varsity football Eagles didn’t skip a beat coming off a bye week on Friday, jumping all over the host Clear Lake Cardinals in a 26-0 drubbing.
The opening game of the NCL-1 season belonged to Cloverdale from the opening whistle, churning up 240 yards on the ground in a battle that was decided in the trenches.
The Eagle’s offensive line effectively controlled the line of scrimmage and the clock, and the Cloverdale defense forced seven turnovers in pitching its second shutout of the campaign.
“As the game went on our O-line began to click,” CHS head coach Rick Berry said. “Hopefully it is a sign of things to come.”
After opening the season with four straight road games, the Eagles (3-1, 1-0) will finally enjoy some home cooking this week when they host Kelseyville (3-1) on Friday, Oct. 3. Kickoff times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
“It will be good to finally get a home game against Kelseyville, which I believe has one of most talented teams in league,” noted Berry. “They’re very big up front and have a very good running back who averages over 180 yards per game. Their quarterback is very good and throws well, so I anticipate a good game.”
Eagles pound the rock
Cloverdale running back Luke Bernardi was nearly unstoppable against Clear Lake, recording his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season. The talented junior veteran amassed 182 yards on 24 carries to lead all ball-carriers.
The Eagles drew first blood early in the second quarter when running back Mason Meier capped a drive with a five-yard touchdown burst. The PAT kick failed and Cloverdale led 6-0. The Eagles struck again midway through the second period on a 20-yard run by Bernardi, followed by a pass from quarterback Greg Scaramella to Adrian Bernardi for the two-point conversion and a 14-0 lead at the half.
Cloverdale effectively iced the contest in the third period when Meier picked off a Clear Lake pass and took it 65-yards to the house for a 20-0 advantage. The Eagles capped the scoring late in the third quarter on another 10-yard touchdown run by Luke Bernardi en route to a 26-0 win.
In addition to the heroics of Luke Bernardi, other top offensive players included Scaramella (4-8, 59 yards passing), Meier (2-21 yards rushing), Luis Guitterez (2-38 yards rushing), Damyion Tamayo (1-33 yards receiving), and John McMillan (1-18 yards receiving).
Leading tacklers were Meier (10, 2 INTs), Damon McKinney (10, sack, FR), Tamayo (10), Guitterez (8, INT, FR), Adrian Bernardi (8), Luke Bernardi (8), Nick Scalabrini (4), John Janey (4), Sam Swann (3), Ean Maya (3), Jose Calivo (2), McMillan tackle, FR), Travis Kitowski (tackle, FR), Scaramella (tackle, sack), and a tackle apiece from Danny Bernal, Ivan Jimenez, and Juan Chanure.
CHS Football schedule
Oct. 3 — 7:30 p.m. vs. Kelseyville at Cloverdale High School
Oct. 10 — 7:30 p.m. vs. Willits at Willits High School
Oct. 17 — 5:30 p.m. vs. Lower Lake at Cloverdale High School
Oct. 24 — 7:30 p.m. vs. Middletown at Middletown High School
Oct. 31 — 7:30 p.m. vs. Fort Bragg at Cloverdale High School
Nov. 7 — 7:30 p.m. vs. St. Helena at Cloverdale High School
