Team returns to action Friday following devastating fires
The varsity football Eagles will be back on the gridiron this week after cancellations following the devastating fires that swept the area this month.
Cloverdale (2-4, 2-5), which had a scheduled game against Willits postponed last week, will play host to the visiting Clear Lake Cardinals this Friday, Oct. 27 on Senior Night. Kickoff times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
The Cardinals (3-2, 4-3) are coming off a 27-21 loss to Lower Lake on Oct. 20 but should pose a stiff challenge for the Eagles this week.
“This game will be another opportunity to make up for last year’s overtime loss,” CHS head coach Chad Talley said, referring to a frustrating 12-6 setback to Clear Lake in their last meeting. “They’re running a different offensive scheme this year by passing more so we’ll have to prepare for that change in mentality and be ready to cover and get pressure on their quarterback.”
Friday’s game against the Cardinals could have added meaning considering that a win would put the Eagles squarely in the North Coast Section playoff picture. Cloverdale will close out the regular season schedule on Nov. 3 at Lower Lake.
NCS waves .500 playoff requirement
Officials from the North Coast Section met this week in a special session, agreeing to make concessions relating to NCS playoff football eligibility. Since recent fires have reduced the number of games played for local schools, the standard requirement of a .500 record will be waved.
In past years, teams were required to have at least a .500 mark in at least one of three categories, including overall record or within their respective league or division. There will be no change made to the size of divisional tournament brackets, which remains at 16. The NCL seeding meeting will take place on Nov. 6, with the playoffs set to begin on Nov. 10.
