Morro Bay’s game called due to lightning, while SLO and Paso Robles post convincing wins

By Matthew Ho

Updated September 10, 2022 12:59 PM

After a week where multiple game start times were delayed due to triple digit heat, local football teams were hit by another weather conundrum on Friday: thunderstorms.

Morro Bay was up 28-13 midway through the third quarter of its matchup against Fresno on Friday night when lightning lit up the sky. The players were sent to the locker room and the game was called.

Up to the point where lightning began to strike in the area, Morro Bay was able to march down the field mixing in passing pays from quarterback Nicky Johnson and hard-headed runs from running back Nami Hoag.

The team ran a no-huddle offense, calling plays at the line of scrimmage and throwing the defense off balance with hard snap counts that drew multiple penalties.

The Pirates jumped out to a hot start early, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive under the direction of Johnson, who had only one incompletion, a dropped pass, in the first series.

Nicky Johnson runs after finding receivers covered in a game Morro Bay led 28-13 over Fresno before it was canceled due to lightning on Sept. 9, 2022. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com

On the ensuing kickoff, the Pirates’ kicker lofted the ball high into the air, allowing Morro Bay’s special teams to recover it and take possession with great field position. Morro Bay was unable to convert the break into points, however, when Johnson aired the ball out and was intercepted close to the goal line.

On Fresno’s subsequent drive, the defense recovered a fumble and Nami Hoag punched the ball in to make the score 14-0.

Morro Bay was able to control both sides of the ball with a fast-paced offense and stifling defense, running up a 28-0 lead in the second quarter, before Fresno scored a touchdown to send the game to half time with the Pirates up 28-7.

Adin Blackwood of Morro Bay makes a jersey tackle of Fresno’s Delbert Hall in a game the Pirates led 28-13 over Fresno before it was canceled due to lightning on Sept. 9, 2022. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com

In the third quarter, another interception from Johnson turned into a pick-six, which brought Fresno within striking distance.

That’s when the lightning arrived, and the game was then abruptly called.

Despite the incomplete results, Head Coach Robert Dougherty was pleased with his team’s performance.

“Both sides of the ball played better than last week,” he said. “We did a good job of shutting them down. We improved in the time we did play.”

Morro Bay (2-2) will take on Pioneer Valley (1-3) next Thursday at 7 p.m. in the teams’ Ocean League opener.

A.J. Alvarez kicks an extra point for Morro Bay in a game the Pirates led 28-13 over Fresno before it was canceled due to lightning on Sept. 9, 2022. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com

San Luis Obispo 28, North (Bakersfield) 0

In San Luis Obispo, the Tigers easily handled North of Bakersfield 28-0 despite Jace Gomes’ absence at quarterback, improving to 3-1 on the season.

Nolan Attala stepped in under center and “did a great job taking snaps at QB,” Head Coach Pat Johnston said, while also adding a touchdown on the ground. All of SLO’s scores came via the run, with two from Isaiah Hernandez and one from Luca Cuccaro.

Johnston said he was “very proud of the toughness our team displayed tonight.”

“Offensive line drove the bus for our dynamic ball carriers. Defense played very well against a very strong North offense. A great team win,” Johnston said.

San Luis Obispo (3-1) will face off against Cabrillo (2-1) next Friday at 7 p.m. in the teams’ Ocean League opener.

Aptos 38, Mission Prep 21

Mission Prep took a tough loss on the road against Aptos on Friday, dropping to 1-2 on the season.

The Mariners pounded the ball on the ground with a triple-option scheme and were also able to get substantial gains out of play action when the defense would bite on the run.

With 4:38 left in the second quarter, the game was tied at 14-14, but Aptos was able to add two quick touchdowns before halftime that stunted Mission’s momentum.

The team showed fight despite the deficit, with a goal line stand to force a field goal and then a turnover on downs.

Running back Drew Harrigan then took the ball upfield after Mission set up their receivers in a trips formation on the other side of the field to isolate Harrigan. He punched in to make the score 31-21.

In the end, however, Aptos was able to put the game away on a 50-yard touchdown run that widened the score to 38-21.

Harrigan finished with two touchdowns, and quarterback Colby White had a touchdown pass to Jamar Howard.

“I’m honestly really proud of the group,” Head Coach David Schuster said. “We were a little short-handed tonight, and our kids battled hard all night. We gave them problems and had a lot of bright moments.”

“I felt like minus a couple plays on defense and a kick return, we represented the brand and the school well.”

Mission Prep (1-2) will look to bounce back at Santa Ynez (3-0) next Friday at 7 p.m. in the Mountain League opener for both teams.

Paso Robles 42, Monache 15

The game was close in the first half, but Paso Robles exploded on the defensive end in the second half.

The Bearcats (2-1) recorded five total takeaways with four interceptions and one fumble recovery.

Leo Kemp returned with a big week on the ground with 175 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while Ashton Murphy added two more touchdowns on the ground. Trevor Lambeth got a pick and returned it for a touchdown.

Paso Robles (2-1) will face off at Righetti (1-2) next Friday at 7 p.m. in both teams Mountain League opener.

Templeton 13, Firebaugh 7

The Templeton Eagles improved to 2-1 on the season with a narrow road win over Firebaugh, according to MaxPreps.com.

Templeton got out to the early lead with 10 points in the first quarter before adding a field goal in the second quarter. Firebaugh was able to narrow the gap on a 54-yard TD strike with three minutes before the half, but that’s as close as they would get.

Neither team scored in the second half.

Wyatt Ramey led Templeton’s offense with 20 carries for 70 yards, while Landen Miller tallied 59 yards on 7 carries.

Templeton (2-1) faces West of Bakersfield (1-2) in a non-league home game on Friday.

Santa Ynez 21, Santa Maria 0

Santa Ynez (3-0) picked up a road win on Friday, shutting out Santa Maria (2-1) 21-0.

Quarterback Luke Gildred threw for 340 yards and and two touchdowns. Receiver Daulton Beard hauled in seven receptions for 165 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Aidan Scott caught five passes for 110 yards and a touchdown along with two sacks.

Despite the three-score win, Coach Josh McClurg thought the team “did not play extremely well.” He added there were “far too many mistakes on both sides of the ball.”

Santa Ynez (3-0) will take on Mission Prep (1-2) in the Mountain League opener for both teams next Friday at 7 p.m.