San Lorenzo Valley High senior quarterback Jack Dagan tossed four touchdowns for the Cougars football team in a 39-14 non-league victory over South San Francisco High on Aug. 31.
“This was a big win for our program,” SLV head coach Dave Grant said in a text message. “Home-opener win against a defending CCS champ. Really proud of our guys for the way they prepared for this game.”
The offensive line did not give up a sack to South SF—the reigning Central Coast Section Division V champion. Dagan connected with Dom Aguilar for a pair of scores, while Winston Wells and Jordan Renteria each hauled in one TD reception.
SLV running back Justin Griffis had 60 yards rushing on 12 carries. The Cougars made a field goal in the fourth quarter, and defensive tackle Haden Woolworth recovered a fumble for a scoop-and-score with less than 10 seconds remaining in the contest.
The Warriors had one rushing TD in the second quarter and returned the opening kick off for a score to begin the second half.
Grant said they committed few penalties and played great defense overall. The Cougars allowed 120 yards rushing but less than 10 yards passing, while scoring seven points on three turnovers.
Scoreboard
Football
Scotts Valley 40, Santa Cruz 20: The Falcons (1-0) begin the season with a crushing non-league victory against the Cardinals (0-1), who snapped a 10-game scoreless streak.
Girls volleyball
Scotts Valley 3, Pacific Grove 1: Hayden Smith had 14 kills and nine digs for the Falcons in a non-league win (13-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20) against the Breakers on Aug. 29. Fellow teammate Ava Morrison finished with 11 kills and five digs for Scotts Valley (1-0).
Boys water polo
SLV 13, York 7: Forrest McKinley-Newby had six goals for the Cougars (1-0) en route to a non-league win over the Falcons (0-1) on Aug. 29. Fellow teammate Amir Vered had two goals and six assists, and Max Plummer finished with a pair of goals for SLV, which is scheduled to host Alvarez High on Sept. 20 at 6pm.
Games to Watch
- Scotts Valley vs. Branham, football, Saturday at 2pm: A pair of CCS semifinalists in 2023 will square off as the Falcons (1-0) hope stay undefeated, while the Bruins (0-1) are looking to bounce back following a 27-21 loss to Hollister High in last week’s season-opener.
- Scotts Valley vs. Harker, girls volleyball, Thursday at 7pm: The Falcons (1-0) are on the hunt for redemption against the Eagles (0-1), who eliminated Scotts Valley in last year’s CCD D-IV playoffs.
- Scotts Valley at Soquel, flag football, Wednesday at 7:30pm: Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League play officially kicks off for the Falcons who will travel down the road to take on the Knights under the lights.
This week’s edition of the Weeklys Sports Ticker highlights local prep athletes for their performances during the week of Aug. 26-Sept. 1. Coaches and athletic directors are encouraged to submit scores and highlights to jr****@we*****.com. Follow sports editor Juan Reyes (@jmreyes831) on Twitter for scores and news updates.
