Cloverdale runs record to 4-2; hosts Lower Lake on Friday
The surging Cloverdale Eagles claimed Willits as its latest victim on Oct. 10, taking control of the line of scrimmage in powering to a 20-8 road victory.
The win pushed the Eagle’s league record to 2-1 (4-2 overall), tied with Middletown for second place in the NCL-1 standings and just one game back of first-place St. Helena.
Cloverdale will quickly turn the page to the next challenge, a Friday, Oct. 17 meeting with visiting Lower Lake in the annual Homecoming Game. The Trojans (1-2, 3-3) are coming off a 40-24 win over Clear Lake and figure to test the Eagles this week.
Second half push lifts Eagles
The Oct. 10 meeting at Willits was not a laugher by any means, with the outcome still in doubt until midway through the final period.
Cloverdale drew first blood with a 15-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Greg Scaramella to running back Mason Meier for a 7-0 lead after one, and Scaramella connected with receiver John McMillan in the second period on an eight-yard scoring pass for a 14-0 Eagles lead at the break.
Following a scoreless third quarter, the Wolverines made things interesting when they found pay-dirt with eight minutes left in the game, but the Eagles iced the contest with a clock-eating seven-minute drive resulting in a six-yard touchdown burst from running back Luke Bernardi with 1:21 remaining to claim a 20-8 win.
“The offensive line took over the game,” CHS head coach Rick Berry said. “We ground out five long possessions using most of the game clock and scoring on three of those drives.”
Scaramella completed four of six passes for a pair of touchdowns in an abbreviated air attack, while Luke Bernardi continued his assault on the opposition with 28 carries for 178 yards and one score. Other top offensive efforts were had by Meier (5-28 yards rushing, TD), Luis Guterrez (3-15 yards rushing), and McMillan (1 receiving TD).
There were no defensive stats available.
CHS Football schedule
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
