Paso Robles beats Atascadero in last spring football game: ‘COVID warriors’
The last game of the pandemic-shortened 2021 season between rivals Paso Robles and Atascadero was a success for both in one respect — it marked the end of a school year that started out looking like they might not have a season at all.
The Bearcats (5-2) won 42-13 using solid blocking and a relentless running attack featuring multiple rushers who moved the chains and punched in scores.
Atascadero (0-7) came into the game looking for just one win, but it wasn’t to be. Still, a group of tight-knit seniors who got to play their final game said the memories will last a lifetime.
“It’s really surreal at this point,” said Greyhounds linebacker Riley Ryan. “I still feel like a junior. Everything is coming to a conclusion and there’s not much more I can expect at this point. ... I’m looking forward to playing baseball and the final days of high school.”
Zech Brown, an Atascadero senior H-back, said his father and his uncle played on past Atascadero football teams.
“My dad’s team and my uncle’s team were part of the greatest teams in Atascadero history and that’s why I played, to be part of that greatness,” Brown said. “I’m honored as part of the 100th class of Atascadero and to be the football team that withstood COVID and all that stuff.”
Brown said it was “stressing me out” coming into the season about whether they’d play or not.
“It would have been a waste for the 100th class of Atascadero (not to play),” Brown said. “My goal was to make the best of what the 100th class has.”
A longstanding rivalry
The Greyhounds and Bearcats have been rivals for decades, but Paso Robles came in the heavy favorite as San Luis Obispo County’s best team this year.
“I thought our line was phenomenal,” said Paso Robles first-year coach Matt Carroll. “They really played well tonight and set it up for the rest of the team.”
Carroll said that he was really pleased with his team’s performance this season after losing two of the first three games.
He said that while some San Luis Obispo County teams struggled this season in terms of wins and losses, he’s confident the region has a good core group of teams heading into next season.
“SLO County football is going to be strong in the fall,” Carroll said. “It has been an amazing first year to see the growth and I know other teams are going to come back strong in the fall.”
Paso Robles’ rushing attack
Paso Robles had rushing touchdowns from Charles Morgan, Jake Morones, Niko Reyes, Leo Kemp and quarterback Trevon Bridewell — representing the varied offensive attack displayed by the Bearcats.
Vicente Echevarria also made his mark as a relative newcomer to the rushing attack, dashing for big yards throughout the game. Echevarria had played safety earlier in the year, and is transitioning over, Carroll said.
Sophomore Leo Kemp said he’s excited about next year’s group.
“We only have two lineman who won’t be back next year,” Kemp said. “The holes we saw tonight were huge and I think our line has really gelled to make us a better team.”
Kemp said he feels the Bearcats have every type of runner and blocker for a situation -- pounding, strong guys; bulldozing fullbacks; and speedsters.
Senior lineman Brandon Young said the team used speed and technique to beat the Greyhounds off the snap, especially early in the game.
“I think we really got to them tonight,” Young said. “We used speed, strength, technique, all of it.”
Atascadero battled despite adversity
Atascadero’s offensive attack was led by Cole Tanner, who had multiple long runs. Quarterback Evan Moscardi connected with Jon Tae Jackson for a 55-yard bomb that Jackson took to the house for the team’s first score near the end of the first half.
Then Aiden LeMoine added a four-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter.
Atascadero Coach Vic Cooper said the game was about teaching his players about adversity and life lessons, as well as just being on the field amid a difficult year.
“These seniors have great character, and that’s what it’s all about tonight, the seniors,” Cooper said. “We got seven (spring) games in and that’s as many as any other team in the state of California. These guys are COVID warriors.”
Other SLO County football score
Righetti 40, Templeton 29
This story was originally published April 30, 2021 at 11:00 PM.
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