Paso Robles, Arroyo Grande post wins as rivalry week comes early to SLO County
Rivalry week came early to San Luis Obispo County this year, with San Luis Obispo hosting Arroyo Grande while Atascadero hosting Paso Robles in Week 2 on Friday night.
In a game at SLO’s newly renovated stadium, the Tigers fell 26-14 before a boisterous crowd filled with fans from both sides.
And up Highway 101, another road team beat a neighboring rival as Paso Robles put together a strong second half to beat Atascadero 35-21 after the score was knotted 21-21 at the midpoint.
In other action, Mission Prep rolled to a win, while Morro got walloped by Santa Ynez.
Arroyo Grande 26, San Luis Obispo 14
In Week 2 action, SLO (2-1) was bitten by a rolled ankle on a long touchdown run from standout sophomore quarterback Jace Gomes at the end of the second half. That meant the Tigers had to adjust their offense and they ultimately fell to their cross-county rival as the Eagles (1-2) notched their first win of the young season.
In a game that showcased a new SLO scoreboard, blinking lights when the Tigers crossed the end zone and a rocking stadium of fans, cheerleaders and band music that roared on a big offensive play in the first half, the contest epitomized local high school football atmosphere.
“It was exciting,” said sophomore SLO running back Isaiah Hernandez, who scored a fourth-quarter touchdown and dragged multiple would-be tacklers throughout the game. “The energy was there. We were focused. We just have to get better and keep working. But, man, it was a great game. I loved it. It was so much fun. It was an experience I’ll never forget.”
Arroyo Grande was led by running back Junior Herlihy, who pounded his way in for three touchdowns in the game with the help of an offensive line that kept the Tigers on their heels.
Eagles junior quarterback Drake Missamore called Herlihy “an animal” as the squad celebrated its first win.
“We’ve been striving for this win after two hard (non-league losses),” Missamore said. “We were down pretty low, but we got up and we trained really hard this week to prepare ourselves, and I say we executed amazing.”
Missamore, who converted an 18-yard touchdown pass to Damian Santos in the second quarter, said that the team was “pumped up” in front of a big crowd, and Herlihy responded.
“(Herlihy) is just an animal once he’s gone,” Missamore said. “Just give him the ball and he eats. Once he gets going, it’s hard to stop himself.”
Arroyo Grande Coach Mike Hartman said that the message has been consistent all week in the face of an 0-2 start.
“We talked about internal versus external a lot,” Hartman said. “They’re going to hear a lot of stuff from their friends about being 0-2. That’s external. Don’t worry about that stuff. That’s external and doesn’t matter. What we’re doing together as the team is what’s important.”
Hartman called SLO’s new stadium “beautiful,” saying this is “what Friday night is all about” and the game lived up to the rivalry.
“That’s why this has been one of the premier games on the Central Coast for 94 years,” Hartman said.
SLO was hampered by Gomes’ sprained ankle injury, suffered on a 40-yard rushing score with about seven minutes to go in the half that pulled the Tigers to 14-7. Nolan Attala filled in during the second half action, but the offense was limited to running plays.
“It was questionable as to whether or not he could go back in the second half,” said SLO Coach Pat Johnston. “We’re gonna see how it’s feeling tomorrow.”
Johnston said that he was proud of his runners “against a formidable defense” and injuries can be unlucky at times during the course of the season.
“We just want to continue to put ourselves in a position where we can spread the field a little bit more, but Zay Zay (Hernandez) running between the tackles is very special,” Johnston said. “Luca (Cuccaro) does a great job with it as well. Nolan, we had to put him at quarterback today, but he’s very dynamic on the perimeter.”
Johnston said he looks forward to a big crowd next week as well when the Tigers’ host North High of Bakersfield. Arroyo Grande has a bye next week.
“I hope everybody had fun and hope they come back next week,” Johnston said.
Paso Robles 35, Atascadero 21
The Paso Robles Bearcats come out on top against the Greyhounds in a 35-21 win at Atescadero.
It was a back-and-forth affair, but in the end Paso Robles’ physicality running the ball along with turnovers from the Greyhounds in both halves sealed the game for the Bearcats.
Atascadero dug itself into a hole multiple times with turnovers. The Greyhounds’ first two offensive drives ended in interceptions including one pick-six from Hayden McKanna. Despite their rough start, howeer, they tied the game up at 14 and the game went into the half tied at 21-21.
However, after the break, Atascadero committed two more turnovers, and Paso Robles capitalized with two touchdowns of their own.
It was a grind-it-out match with multiple players on both sides playing offense and defense in the hot weather that forced an hour game start delay. Neither offense could find much in the air game and resorted to running the ball out of option formations.
Running back Leo Kemp for Paso Robles did most of the damage for the Bearcats. He marched his way down the field for 100 yards and two touchdowns.
Connor Bowman also aided in the rushing game with two touchdowns on the ground.
Defensive back Isaiah Williams had a great all-around game. He finished with an interception, sack, and multiple passes knocked down, including the one that ended the Greyhounds’ last offensive push.
The intense rivalry game had two rare calls on two possessions.
For Atascadero’s first touchdown of the game, Mason Degnan and a Paso Robles defensive back both grabbed the ball simultaneously in the air and came down with it in the end zone. The back was able to wrestle the ball away, but the rule is if there is simultaneous possession between the offense and defense, it is a catch for the offense. That touchdown made the score 14-7 in favor of Paso Robles.
The next controversial play came when Paso Robles fumbled the snap during a punt on fourth down. Atascadero defenders closed in on the ball, but the punter kicked the ball while it was on the ground and out of bounds to prevent them from grabbing it. The referees ruled illegal touching, and the ball was marked down where the punter kicked it across the ground. Atascadero capitalized on the error with a touchdown to tie the game.
“The defense stepped up and had three interceptions tonight and a recovered fumble, which made the difference in the game,” said Paso Robles Head Coach Matt Carroll.
Paso Robles’ next game is Friday, Sept. 9, against Monache High School in Porterville. The Bearcats are now 1-1 on the season.
Atascadero will look to turn their season around against Everett Alvarez High School in Salinas next Saturday, Sept. 10. The Greyhounds are 0-3 to start the year.
Other SLO County scores
Mission Prep 37, McLane 0
The Mission Prep Royals put on a dominating performance on both ends against the McLane High School, shutting out the Highlanders 37-0.
The Royals came out slowly, only putting one touchdown on the board in the first quarter and committing multiple penalties. As the game went along, the team found its groove and got multiple offensive options involved in the run and pass games. The team put the game away in the fourth quarter scoring 17 points to close it out.
The referees’ yellow flags dropped to the field numerous times throughout the game. Whether it be offside or delay of game, both teams suffered in that department. Fortunately, the Royals were able to overcome their mishaps and still put points on the board. McLane, on the other hand, stunted its momentum at times with penalties following substantial yardage gains.
Running back Drew Harrigan led the way with in the running game. He had multiple powerful runs up the middle and also bounced the football to the outside and shed tacklers.
Tight end Mario Luera played a huge part in the receiving game. Quarterback Colby White hit him with passes over the middle out of play action along with some short screen passes and dump-offs, including one for a touchdown.
White finished the game with three touchdowns and one interception. He showed poise in the pocket and extended plays with his legs to make throws on the move. When the openings were available to him, he threw accurate passes.
The Royals’ defense had a stellar game. They pressured the quarterback up-field and did a solid job in coverage. On one defensive drive coming off an interception, the Highlanders got deep into Royal territory, but the defense intercepted the ball in the end zone to keep McLane scoreless.
Aidan Dahlen made his presence felt on the front lines by getting into the backfield and sacking the quarterback four times.
“This was a great bounce-back game,” said Mission Prep Head Coach David Schuster.
“We got the opportunity to work a lot of things on all sides of the ball, and we showed massive improvement from Bakersfield Christian. Very proud of the defense, our tackling and our team mindset all night.”
The Royals move to 1-1 on the season and will look to carry over their performance into their next game against Aptos High School next Friday at Aptos.
Santa Ynez 59, Morro Bay 19
Nicky Johnson completed two touchdown passes to Aiden Blackwood, including a long of 80 yards, and one scoring toss to Ian Lambright.
On the Santa Ynez side, Luka Gildred threw for 262 yards on 16-18 attempts and three touchdown passes. Receivers Daulton Beard and Aidan Scott both hauled in six receptions a piece for 103 and 113 yards respectively.
The Pirates (1-2) take on Fresno in a non-league matchup at home on Friday.
Nipomo v. Santa Maria
The Titans (0-2) host Santa Maria (1-1) on Saturday at 7 p.m.
This story was originally published September 2, 2022 at 11:44 PM.
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