The San Lorenzo Valley Cougars return home this weekend to face another big-school opponent, and try and remain unbeaten in non-conference play.

The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission this month selected 16 projects to receive $7 million in local shares of federal transportation funds.

The congregation at St. Philips Episcopal Church in Scotts Valley has found many occasions to count its blessings.

On Sept. 17, volunteers across Santa Cruz County – and the state – will combine efforts in a single day to clean rivers and beaches from a summer’s worth of carelessness.

The visiting Balboa High team came to the Santa Cruz mountain field of San Lorenzo Valley off a winning record a year ago in a tough San Francisco prep league.

Thirty years ago Al Haynes, of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, started the first River & Road Cleanup with the aid of the Valley Women’s Club. SLV students were involved from the start, joining families and friends and removing hundreds of tons of trash and recyclables.

The Scotts Valley Falcons lost two-thirds of last year’s team, five of 11 starters on defense and offense.But Louie Walters’ boys are always tapped as one of the top teams in the league, and this year is no exception.Quarterback Tyler Stow led an almost-successful second half comeback with six straight completions against Los Altos on Aug. 26, a promising start for the Falcons.Walters is making some adjustments in his backfield, with Tyler Stone moving to fullback and Tanner Gilton moving from fullback to tailback.He says Gilton is the player to watch, and his second half performance in the first game set him off on a good start at the new position.Walters also lists running back Trevor Ponos and wide receivers RJ Johnston and Jason Bucio as keys to Falcon success this season.The coach said Tyler Stow has emerged as the team leader, and that showed in the quarterback’s second half against Los Altos.“We’re going to continue to run the ball – it’s a Scotts Valley tradition,” Walters said.He also said he liked the way his swarming defense stifled the Los Altos running game for much of the game, which was marred by costly turnovers.The defense will be led by defensive end Jason Bucio, 6-4, 230.Walters acknowledged that his biggest challenge is all of the new varsity players, but is mindful of the fact that last year’s junior varsity team shared the league title with Aptos and Santa Cruz.When asked for one word that summed up this year’s squad? “Heart”That was clearly on display in the opener.   2016 SCHEDULE Aug. 26,  7:30 p.m.Los Altos              Sept. 2  7:30 p.m.Carmel (Carmel )at Monterey Peninsula College              Sept. 9,  7:30 p.m.Watsonville at Scotts Valley Sept. 16,  7:30 p.m.Seaside at Seaside  Sept. 23,  7:30 p.m.         Eureka at Eureka              Oct. 7,  7:30 p.m.Aptos at Aptos              Oct. 14,  7 p.m.Harbor at Scotts Valley Oct. 2,  2 p.m.San Lorenzo Valley at SLV Oct. 9,  2 p.m.Soquel at Scotts Valley Nov. 4,  7:30 p.m.Santa Cruz at Scotts Valley