The ScottsValley coaching staff couldn’t have written a much better script in its homecoming performance last Friday. The defense was unrelenting. The offense operated with power and precision and special teams’ play was exactly that, special. It all added up to a dominating 46-0 victory over visiting EurekaHigh School in front of a large and enthusiastic homecoming crowd under the lights in ScottsValley.
“It was pretty amazing”, said senior running back Troy Menna who scored three touchdowns in the Falcons’ third win in a row. “We always seem to play really well under the lights and it was just a really good atmosphere,” said Menna. Once again, Menna was the workhorse for ScottsValley, carrying the ball 26 times for 226 yards.
Menna was quick to credit the coaching staff, the offensive line, and of course, the defense, which has recorded two shut outs in its past three games. Of Quarterback Nick Reyes, Menna said “he did really well throwing the ball”. Reyes was an efficient 9-14 for 132 yards in the passing department, including two touchdown tosses to senior wide receiver Ethan Emanuelson.
Jogging off the field after the win, Head coach Louie Walters uttered three words to sum up his team’s performance against the Loggers, “defense, defense, defense.” “Our defense is setting the tone for our team. We’ve been preaching it from the very beginning.”
Walters was pleased with every aspect of the defensive effort, especially “our inside linebackers” and specifically senior Tristan Leonetti. “He’s been an all-league linebacker since his sophomore year,” said Walters who paid Leonetti the ultimate compliment by saying, “he’s the heart and soul of our defense.”
Describing the homecoming atmosphere, Walters said, “It’s always a circus up here. It was a good crowd and the kids had fun.” For senior Patrick Conte it was an especially fun and productive night. The senior linebacker and offensive lineman was not only a key contributor on the field but was crowned homecoming king at halftime. To top things off, the “King for the Night” even carried the ball 3 times, gaining 18 yards. “I never got to do that before,” said Conte. “It was interesting, it was fun. I felt honored.”
The Falcons (3-2) have a bye this week before beginning league play at Harbor on October 16th.
