Cloverdale looking for second win against the visiting Hornets
The varsity football Eagles will try to make it two straight wins this Friday, Aug. 31 when they play host to visiting Novato in the friendly confines at Allen Field.
Kickoff times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Cloverdale (1-0) should be well-rested and ready coming off an early season bye last week. The Eagles opened the season on Aug. 17 with a 21-0 shutout over Sonoma Valley, while Novato (0-1) dropped a 20-6 decision to Piner in their lone outing on Aug. 24.
One thing that is certain, the Eagles will not take the Hornets lightly this week.
“Novato is fast and athletic and has the ability to break big plays at anytime,” CHS head coach Greg Alexander cautioned. “Their quarterback is a dynamic runner so the keys for us will be to keep him in the pocket, have lane discipline in our pass rush and not get too far upfield.”
Cloverdale will be looking to control the line of scrimmage, allowing ample time for quarterback Shayne Turner and open holes for running backs Cesar Buenrostro and Jone Wesele, big factors for the team in the season-opening win over Sonoma.
“Keys for us offensively are not turn the ball over and be able to run the ball,” Alexander noted. “We need to improve on our blocking assignments and execution up front. Additionally we need to get the ball out quicker in the pass game.”
The Cloverdale defensive unit has been stout in the early going, with a strong push up front the plan on Friday against Novato.
“Defensively our pass coverage needs to improve,” Alexander said. “Novato’s running back is fairly dynamic and they do a great job of getting him to the edge. We need to stop the big plays and make them drive the field.”
