San Lorenzo Valley High debuted a fast-paced, no-huddle offense while Scotts Valley High showed what makes it one of the teams to beat, when both squads competed during the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League preseason jamboree Aug. 24 at Cabrillo College.
Each team played a series of 12 minute scrimmages against two other league teams, with points awarded for touchdowns, first downs, defensive stands and turnovers.
The teams will take that experience into this weekend’s preseason action.
Scotts Valley hosts Evergreen High from San Jose at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1. The Cougars travel to Everett Alvarez High in Salinas to square off with the Eagles.
San Lorenzo Valley
At the jamboree, the Cougars opened on offense with a 12-minute scrimmage against the defense of St. Francis. Sophomore Isaac Newberry led the Cougars’ spread attack at quarterback and ripped off several long running plays. Ben Knudson, Derek Poetzinger and Sid Chi all had long runs, with Chi capping the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run for the team’s first score of the season.
The SLV defense then faced Harbor High’s offense during which defensive linemen Matt Phillips and John Szakacs made strong plays to shut down the Pirates’ running game.
The rest of night, the Cougars continued with their spread, no-huddle offense, with quarterbacks Patrick Primeau, Pat Doran and Newberry all seeing action.
“We’re really proud of all three of them,” said offensive coordinator Rich Price.
Chi caught a 50-yard heave from Newberry, and Kjell Johnson showed his speed with a 1-yard touchdown on a sweep.
Scotts Valley
Scotts Valley played in the second grouping of teams, starting on defense against the Santa Cruz High Cardinals.
Early on, Jake Renberg and Bradley McClaron combined for a sack, and defensive lineman Josh McKim made his way into the backfield to disrupt the Cardinals.
On offense against Santa Cruz, the Falcons struck quickly with a 37-yard screen pass to Renberg on the first play. Ari Wargon scored a touchdown on 28-yard pitch-sweep on the second play. On the next possession, Wargon dodged four defenders on his way to a 21-yard gain, and after runs by quarterback Garrett Johnston and Jace Hardwick, Wargon punched in a 2-yard score. Renberg ran 55 yards on the following possession and Wargon scored a third touchdown, this time from 6 yards out.
“We got everybody in and got out of here with everyone healthy,” said head coach Louie Walters. “I think we’re going to be pretty good.”
Later, on defense against Aptos High, Jake Lobo, who also saw time at quarterback, recovered a fumble. Abe Alvarez nearly had an interception in the end zone.
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