San Lorenzo Valley High will look to right the ship in its third preseason game after falling to Piedmont High School in a tight contest Saturday, Sept. 10.
Despite holding a 13-6 lead early in the third quarter, SLV’s varsity football team was unable to secure its first win of the season.
The team gave up two quick touchdowns in the third quarter and fell 20-13 after a scoreless fourth.
While SLV outgained Piedmont 332 to 181 in total yardage and held the Highlanders to negative-13 yards rushing, the visitors capitalized on the Cougars’ five turnovers to take the win.
The biggest came late in the third quarter with the game tied at 13, when Piedmont’s Zack Curliano leapt on a blocked Cougar punt in the end zone to add the finishing touches on a sour outing for SLV.
The Cougars had a number of chances to take home the win, but failed to capitalize in the red zone.
SLV senior Jonny Cooper rushed for 150 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries, while quarterback Tyler Gilbert finished 14-of-27 for 170 yards passing. Kicker Ben Knudson drilled field goals of 28 and 36 yards, but all went for naught as the Cougars dropped to 0-2 in pre-league play.
The Cougars play at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Hillsdale High in San Mateo.
