The St. Francis High football team might lack numbers but there’s definitely no lack in heart.
The Sharks went on the road Friday to defeat The Harker School, 35-7, in non-league play.
St. Francis coach John Ausman said the defense played well and they executed the game plan they had in place.
“Kids executed on defense and we came out on offense where kids produced right off the bat,” Ausman said.
The Sharks took an early lead and never looked back.
Ausman said a group of young players stepped it up once again, including sophomore Johrdan Garibay, who had a big game two weeks ago against Yerba Buena.
“When (Garibay) was given the opportunity he took advantage of it,” Ausman said.
Ausman said they brought in Garibay specifically to play defense but he was also asked to contribute on the offensive side.
“(Garibay) had a really good game and the O-line did a good job,” Ausman said. “It’s a shining example of someone who gets an opportunity and takes advantage of it… He makes it hard to get him off the field, now.”
Garibay finished with three touchdowns. He scored twice in the first quarter from 54 and five yards out followed by an 11-yard touchdown in the second.
Senior Lawson Orradre had a 27 yard touchdown in the third quarter, while junior Josh Hernandez scored from 66 yards out in the fourth.
On the defensive side, Ausman said the players did their job and it’s something the coaching staff has been preaching. Senior Joey Garibay recorded an interception.
“If you do your job and don’t worry about anyone else’s, good things will happen,” Ausman said.
Up next, the Sharks (2-2) begin Pacific Coast Athletic League Santa Lucia division play on the road against Pacific Grove (1-3) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
St. Francis is 4-0 all-time against Pacific Grove. The Sharks won last year’s game, 56-27.
Ausman said the Breakers are always a well-coached team and it’s been fun playing them the last couple of years.
“It will be a fun battle,” Ausman said.
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Monte Vista Christian 27, at Rodriguez 14: Senior quarterback Nathan Renggli led the way with two rushing touchdowns to help the Mustangs defeat Rodriguez on Friday in non-league action.
Senior running back Quinn Alexander scored his fifth touchdown this season, while junior running back Daniel Castillo recorded his first touchdown of the year for the Mustangs.
M.V.C. coach Jubenal Rodriguez said picking up a win is always a good thing but he felt like the players didn’t meet his expectations.
“I think tonight we played to the level of our opponent and we didn’t play to our full potential but a win is a win whether it’s ugly or pretty,” Rodriguez said. “It feels good to be 2-1 but we still have a lot to get better at.”
Rodriguez said he was pleased with the way they came storming out of the gates. The Mustangs started the game with the ball and marched down the field for a touchdown drive that took nearly six minutes.
“But we lacked consistency throughout the four quarters,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said he felt like they beat themselves in many situations and didn’t play to their full potential.
“It almost felt like a loss just because we didn’t fight for four consitent quarters,” Rodriguez said.
The Mustangs (2-1) begin PCAL-Mission play on the road against Soledad (2-2) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Rodriguez said the Aztecs are a scrappy team and they play well at home.
“Whatever record everybody has in non-league means nothing now,” Rodriguez said.
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North Monterey 40, at Greenfield 0: The Condors took care of business on the road and posted a shutout on Friday against the Bruins in non-league play.
N.M.C. senior quarterback Brandon Ducusin finished the night with two touchdowns — all in the first half. He started with a 25-yard run into the end zone, followed by a 22-yard touchdown pass to junior receiver Ricardo Novoa.
Sophomore quarterback Oscar Aquino also saw some playing time and made the best of it by connecting with junior receiver Jason Mellin for a 10-yard touchdown.
N.M.C. coach Sean Gomes said it felt good to give all his players a chance to play.
“We had a good focused week of practice,” Gomes said. “The kids did a good job on Monday, focusing up and listening to the game plan, absorbing the game plan and executing it.”
Gomes said their first drive of the game didn’t go as planned despite being able to run the ball effectively.
“We thought we might be able to run just with the front (Greenfield) had and the defense they were playing,” Gomes said.
Junior running back Kobe Hatten finished with about 80 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Condors.
Gomes said Hatten should’ve scored twice but a holding penalty was called, negating his second touchdown of the evening.
Sophomore Nico Torres recorded two interceptions, including one he returned for a 45-yard touchdown. He also had a 45-yard punt return for a touchdown for the Condors.
N.M.C. seniors Isaiah Loera and Lalo Hernandez each recorded a fumble recovery.
Gomes said the defense played as a solid unit and didn’t give up the big plays, which is what he hoped they wouldn’t do.
“We were a little nervous about that because we thought their quarterback has the ability to run,” Gomes said. “So we were a little worried about it and getting out in the open field but we kept that in check.”
Gomes said Greenfield also has a pair of receivers who could’ve made a difference but the defensive backfield did its job of containing any space.
“The defense really rallied to the ball and the defensive line did a good job of pressing the line of scrimmage, allowing the linebackers to make plays,” Gomes said.
Up next, the Condors (3-1) begin PCAL-Cypress play on the road against Watsonville (2-2) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Gomes said Watsonville has always been a physical team.
“We just got to be disciplined on defense,” Gomes said. “Just stay home and do whatever our job is. Execute that job and don’t overextend yourself on defense.”
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