Scotts Valley shifts on offense

The Scotts Valley Falcons played Half Moon Bay High tough Sept. 10, getting out to a 14-12 lead early in the third quarter before turnovers and a punishing Cougar running attack produced a blowout fourth quarter to seal a 39-14 Half Moon Bay win.
The Scotts Valley defense knew going into the game that the Cougars’ highly regarded senior running back Dominic Sena and run-heavy offense would present a challenge. Division I prospect Sena was everything the Falcons feared, showing breakaway speed and plenty of moves en route to a 218-yard, 26-carry, three-touchdown night.
Scotts Valley’s offense got on the board early in the second quarter when quarterback Alex Howard hit receiver Stephen Doub on a 92-yard strike to open up a 7-6 lead.
The Cougars scored a touchdown later in the half, but the Falcons answered in the opening minutes of the third quarter with a 25-yard touchdown run by halfback Erik Rohrkemper.
It was downhill from there, as four Falcon turnovers — two fumbles and two interceptions — gave Half Moon Bay the ball in good field position, and the Cougars consistently converted their opportunities.
The Scotts Valley offense scarcely got a chance to compete the rest of the game, logging only 10 plays from scrimmage the entire second half.
Despite the spotty outing, Scotts Valley’s players and coaches believe they have the talent on the offensive side of the ball for an unprecedented fifth straight year as Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League champions.
‘Meat and potatoes’ — the O-line
Falcon coach Louie Walters says with the team’s fresh faces at the offensive skill positions, there will be a new look to the Falcons’ attack in 2010.
“We won’t be spreading out and airing it out like we did last year,” he explained. “We’ll be looking to establish the run and take what we get.”
The strength of the team’s offense is its line, “our meat and potatoes,” as Walters calls it.
It’s anchored by senior Tre Braquet at center. He will be flanked by guards Jake Elder and Patrick Flebbe and tackles Ryan Stempien and Steve Davies. Walters said Tyler Marshall will also see playing time at tackle, as will Patrick Marigonda at center and guard. Kyle Dean will be rotated in throughout the line.
At tight end, Stephan Galewski figures to play a key role both as a receiver and as a blocker in the outside running game.
“He’s big and strong and fast, a great blocker with soft hands,” Walters said.
The team also is high on junior tight end Ryan Wortman, who should appear regularly in the double-tight end formation the Falcons have frequented in recent years.
Walters also praised starting quarterback Alex Howard for his work ethic and leadership. While confident Howard can move the team, Walters says junior quarterback Jack Pasquini is improving every week and will see playing time this year.
“Jack’s gonna be a really good football player who wins lots of games for us down the road,” he said.
The backfield will be handled by “committee” — Julio Van Dierendonck, Collin Corbella, Erik Rohrkemper and Victor Passanisi will share the halfback slots, while Nic White and Drake Smith will rotate fullback duties. Each has different attributes, Walters said, and their versatility and depth will keep the backfield fresh and capable of mixing up the team’s running attack.
Stephen Doub figures to be the team’s go-to receiver this year and one of the top in the league, Walters said. The senior is one of the fleetest Falcons and already has 220 yards on nine catches through the team’s first two games. Aaron Liang, Evan Hilton and Kevin Bargetto will all see time at the other receiver slot and to give Doub rest.
Scotts Valley’s success with the placekicking game should continue, with Walters calling the squad’s latest converted soccer player, Noah Beito, potentially the best the Falcons have ever had. A big part of Beito’s progress is due to San Francisco 49er kicker Joe Nedney, who has once again tutored the school’s budding booters.
Galewski will handle the punting duties with Corbella, Bargetto and Jake Sanchez returning punts, while Corbella and Passanisi return kickoffs.
All are sure to be tested in the team’s first home game of the season this Saturday, Sept. 18, at 2 p.m. when the Falcons continue their tough early season schedule against prep school powerhouse Kings Academy of Sunnyvale.