SLO County high school football results: Mission Prep remains unbeaten in blowout win
Seeking to stay undefeated, Mission Prep surged ahead of Morro Bay early and never looked back en route to a 60-3 home victory.
The Royals (7-0, 3-0 Ocean League) showcased an overpowering offensive and defensive line as the Pirates (4-5, 1-2 Ocean) fell behind big early.
Morro Bay got off to a good start, moving the ball down the field for a field goal and a 3-0 lead on the Pirates’ first drive of the game, but after that, it was all Mission Prep.
The Royals followed Morro Bay’s opening score with a flurry of touchdowns kickstarted by a rushing touchdown from Drew Harrigan. The Royals were up 36-3 at the half.
Royals’ junior receiver Jamar Howard showcased his speed to snag two passing touchdowns from quarter back Colby White in the first half.
Others who got in on the game’s scoring action included junior running back George Kardashian, senior running back Andrew Abbate, and senior Jacob Castaneda — benefiting from the sturdy blocking of Caleb Alalem, R.J. Esmon, and Jadon Bryles, among others.
“Those holes were awesome,” Harrigan said. “We had a really good week in practice, and it all came together. We’re all really close, and it was a fun.”
Jacob Butler said he moved over from linebacker to defensive end, resulting in three sacks as he burst past his defender.
“We have a great brotherhood and great family. It’s a great school, great staff,” Butler said. “I’m just happy to be part of it.”
Mission Prep Coach David Schuster said it was the program’s best game of the year thus far.
“It’s Homecoming week and all the distractions and all the craziness that normally goes with it, but they handled it tremendously well,” Schuster said. “It’s probably our best week of practice. They really executed very well. I’m extremely proud of them.”
Schuster said Morro Bay runs “a very dynamic offense, probably one of the best in our league. We have great respect for that. Our defense was able to move around and dictate the tempo.”
Schuster said Royals running back Jack Susank, who rushed for a long score Friday, has committed to play football at Pomona-Pitzer and several other Royals players are getting college attention as well, though none has committed yet.
Morro Bay Coach Jake Goossen-Brown said: “Obviously, Mission is a well-coached team. They’re physical and do a great job, so it was a challenge. We knew that coming in, and hopefully we can can rebound and come back next week ready to fight.”
The Pirates’ coach added: “We as a coaching staff are going to do everything we can to make sure that we put them in positions to win. We didn’t do well enough to coach them to win this game tonight.”
Mission Prep next plays Templeton; Morro Bay moves on to face Santa Maria at home on Oct. 22.
Here’s a look at other SLO County high school scores:
San Luis Obispo 35, Templeton 19
The Tigers (5-2, 3-0) remain undefeated in Ocean League play after pulling away from Templeton (4-4, 1-2) in the second half.
SLO was up 14-7 at the half and went on to score 21 second-half points to win its Homecoming game, played at Morro Bay’s stadium due to field renovation at SLO High this year.
SLO freshman quarterback Jace Gomes ran for two touchdowns and threw for another, and did a good job of “taking care of the football,” said Coach Pat Johnston.
SLO’s Nolan Attala caught a touchdown pass, and Luca Cucharro ran for two scores.
“Jace is learning a lot every week,” Johnston said. “Playing quarterback at the varsity level isn’t easy. He has a high ceiling in terms of how good he could be. He’s getting great experience right now to carry that into his sophomore year.”
The Tigers recorded four interceptions, with Brody Johnson, Anthony Ruelas and Rory Devaney among those with picks.
SLO senior quarterback Blayke Perry sustained a knee injury and is working hard to get back “taking that week by week,” Johnston said.
SLO moves on to play Atascadero on the road on Oct. 22 while Templeton faces Mission Prep.
Atascadero 31, Santa Maria 20
The Greyounds (2-6, 1-2) earned their first Ocean League win Friday on the road.
Atascadero’s Jarren Fischer stepped in for injured starting quarterback Evan Moscardi and had “a great game,” said Greyhounds Coach Vic Cooper.
C.J. Bell had two touchdown catches from Fischer. Johnnie Debrum had an interception return for a touchdown.
Atascadero was up 24-20 at the half, and in the second half, the Greyhounds were able to slow the game down and “run the clock the rest of the way,” Cooper said.
“The end of the first half was a fury with three different scores in the last two-and-a-half minutes,” Cooper said.
Trey Cooks had a 1-yard touchdown in the first half, and Skylar Silva kicked a field goal to get the victory over Santa Maria (3-6, 0-3).
“It’s nice to get on the right side of the ledger,” Cooper said.
Atascadero next hosts SLO on Oct. 22.
Arroyo Grande 39, Righetti 35
In yet another nail-biter for Arroyo Grande (5-3, 2-1 Mountain), the Eagles’ Kaden Tynes had a long touchdown, Will Dawes booted a field goal, and Makai Puga also scored and had an interception, among other game action.
“Our defense did a good job to get us stops later in the game,” said Eagles Coach Mike Hartman.
Arroyo Grande next plays Saturday, Oct. 23, at 11 a.m. at Nipomo.
Nipomo forfeited its game this week due to COVID-19 protocols, dropping to 6-2 overall and 2-2 in Mountain League, and will be able to return next week for the Saturday matchup.
Paso Robles 15, Pioneer Valley 6
The Bearcats stayed unbeaten in league (6-2, 3-0 Mountain) with a hard-fought win against Pioneer Valley, who “played us well,” said Paso Robles Coach Matt Carroll.
Leo Kemp ran for over 100 yards, Tyler Luna scored a touchdown, and Bastiaan Jaureguy recorded a safety to help the Bearcats to a win.
“It was a defensive battle,” Carroll said.
Paso Robles next hosts Righetti on Oct. 22.
Coast Union 69, Maricopa 12
The Broncos (5-2, 2-0 Coast Valley) won big in a Thursday 8-man football contest, topping the Indians (1-5, 0-2) at home.
Coast Union moves on to face Valley Christian Academy on Oct. 23.
This story was originally published October 15, 2021 at 11:59 PM.
%20Cropped.jpg)