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San Lorenzo Valley High dropped its first Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League game to visiting Santa Cruz losing 31-14.
While the Cougars (0-1 SCCAL, 2-3 overall) focused their attentions on stopping the Central Coast Section’s leading rusher Jonah Hodges, they left themselves wide open to a first-half onslaught from Hodges teammate Nick Locatelli.
Locatelli, a senior running back, scored the first two touchdowns for the Cardinals who took the early advantage. A 37-year field goal and a late first-half 15-yard scoring run by Hodges saw the Cougars behind 24-0 at the half.
SLV was forced into an aerial show playing catch-up, which resulted in a 242 yards to 37 yard advantage for the Cougars, but Santa Cruz’ 306 yards rushing more than made up for it.
Hodges 155 yards and two touchdowns led the way for the Cardinals and Locatelli finished the day with 106 yards rushing, 37 yards receiving with two touchdowns.
SLV quarterback Tyler Gilbert connected on 22 out of his 43 passing attempts for 242 yards while rushing for one touchdown. Running back Jonny Cooper led the Cougar running game with 73 yards on 13 carries.
For SLV, Sid Chi took one of his six catches for a 5-yard ride into the end zone and finished with 68 yards through the air and Lucas Sinnott hauled in 5 catches for 81 yards.
The Cougars will play next against the Sharks of Saint Francis (2-3) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7 at Cabrillo College.
