High school football report
Week three of the high school football season was fraught with peril for both El Molino and Analy teams, with each weathering losses at the hands of visiting foes.
The Tigers proved no match for perennial North Bay powerhouse Cardinal Newman, falling to the Cardinals 63-26. The Lions fared only slightly better, as visiting Orestimba capitalized on key turnovers en route to a 24-8 win.
This week El Molino (1-2) will visit Ferndale on Saturday, Sept. 16 in a 1:30 p.m. varsity kick-off, while Analy (1-2) enjoys a bye.
Cardinals spoil stadium party
It proved to be a tough home opener for the Tigers and fans wearing blue and white, as Cardinal Newman took advantage of the Analy defense in a 34-point first-quarter explosion. Newman led 34-13 at the half and outscored the Tigers 29-13 the rest of the way en route to a 63-26 rout.
“It was a disappointing result but we played better than the previous week,” Analy head coach James Foster reported, referring to a 48-3 loss to Rancho Cotate a week earlier. “That’s what I’m asking of my players – to keep improving every day – but we still have a lot of work to do.”
Senior running back Bennett Simpson continues to be a bright spot for the Analy offense, rushing for 117 yards on 12 carries and a pair of touchdowns. Receiver Jacob Ponzo hauled in three catches for 76 yards and another score.
Castleberry Stadium dedication
Analy formally renamed its renovated digs to Chip Castleberry Stadium at Karlson Field during a halftime ceremony on Friday, a tribute to the 1965 Analy alum, longtime coach, athletic director and Tigers’ hall of famer.
Lions fall to Warriors
El Mo’s Sept. 8 home date with Orestimba was about as frustrating as they come, as the Lions knocked at the door all night with little to show for their efforts.
“Our defense played well at times but our offense came up short on several drives,” El Mo head coach Randy Parmeter said. “Two of their scores came after short drives provided by our turnovers.”
The opening possession proved a harbinger of things to come, as the Lions’ drive died at the Warrior’s one-yard line. Orestimba led 7-0 at the end of one quarter and took a 17-0 cushion into the halftime locker room.
El Mo scored its lone touchdown of the game in the third period, as quarterback Jacob Sani found receiver Jack Fricker on a scoring pass to cut the deficit to 17-7 at the end of three. The visitors iced the game with an insurance score in the final period on their way to a 24-7 win.
