West County football report
West County high school football took center stage on Aug. 25, as Analy and El Molino squads took the field in their much anticipated season openers.
The five-time defending Sonoma County League champion Tigers (1-0) showed few signs of slowing down in giving first-year head coach James Foster a winning debut, jumping all over host Maria Carrillo, 42-14.
Meanwhile, the Lions (0-1) drew a tough opening match-up against visiting perennial state power St. Bernard’s of Eureka, falling to the Crusaders, 42-20.
Both teams will be back on the gridiron this Friday, Sept. 1, as Analy faces a litmus test at Rancho Cotate (1-0) while El Mo entertains Fort Bragg (0-1). Kickoff times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
Tigers in a rout
Analy’s season debut against Maria Carrillo (at SRJC) featured a slow start as the Tigers’ offense struggled early in a scoreless first quarter. Senior quarterback Brenden Medina cranked up the offense in the second quarter, leading the Tigers on four straight scoring drives to open up a 28-0 halftime lead.
“Our defense was a big part of it,” coach James Foster said, reflecting on the second-quarter explosion. “Shutting them out in the first half allowed our offense to overcome early jitters and get rolling.”
With a big cushion in the third quarter, the Tigers emptied their bench as Analy cruised to an eventual 42-14 win.
Medina had a sensational debut, completing 21 of 36 passes for 402 yards and five touchdowns. Top offensive players included receivers Carson Pforsich (5-109 yards, TD), Jacob Ponzo (2-126 yards, 2 TDs), Bennett Simpson (4-92 yards, TD) and Tony Siri (6-51 yards). Simpson was the team’s leading rusher, with 79 yards on the ground and one score. Kicker Danny Chidester, filling in for injured starter Miguel Escamilla, did an admirable job in converting six point-after-touchdown boots.
Top defenders for the Tigers were linebackers Austin Burnham (INT), Theo Kolybakos (sack, FF) and end Jackson Parks (FR).
Crusaders tame Lions
As season openers go, they don’t get too much tougher than El Mo’s clash with former state bowl champion St. Bernard’s in Forestville on Friday. The Crusaders jumped out to a 14-0 first quarter lead before taking a 35-13 halftime advantage.
The teams matched scores in a defensive second half as St. Bernard’s powered to a 42-20 victory.
“We played a good football team,” Lion’s head coach Randy Parmeter said. “I don’t think that we were as prepared as we could have been. I’m sure that we could see that team again in the future.”
Junior quarterback Jacob Sani was a bright spot for the Lions, throwing for a pair of touchdowns while rushing for another. Senior Avery Ransome also found paydirt for the Lions.
