Atascadero tops Templeton in overtime thriller. Here are other SLO County scores
Trey Cooks knows his Greyhounds football history because it runs in his family.
And the Atascadero tailback and linebacker added his own chapter to the story on Friday in a compelling 27-21 overtime win over a North County neighbor that beat them last year.
The Greyhounds (4-3, 3-0 Ocean League) improved upon their undefeated league record with a victory over Templeton (5-3, 2-1) in front of a packed house at home.
Cooks added to his family’s football legacy by recovering a fumble on defense in overtime and then following up by scoring the game-winning touchdown on a 20-yard run to send the orange-clad supporters into a frenzy.
Cooks’ brother Elijah Cooks — who currently plays football for San Jose State — and his grandfather Roosevelt Cooks both starred at Atascadero High, along with his great uncle, Carlos Adams.
“I’ve had a lot of family who went here,” Cooks said. “So, it’s super cool to be recognized as one of them and live up to their legacy.”
As the hero of a seesaw game that both coaches said was decided by a few plays that could have altered the result, Cooks pointed to his offensive line as the reason for his and the team’s success in pulling out the tight victory.
“I give a give a lot of credit to my O-line,” Cooks said. “Jaiden Ramirez and Anthony Tejada, they played a giant role, and Jackson Cooper. They all played a super big role. You know, me being able to just follow them and trust them that they’ll know what they’re doing. ... That was huge.”
Ramirez, a 6-foot-2 right guard who goes by the nickname “Queso” and who was covered in sweat at the end, said it was “a good game” that was decided by willpower and resilience.
“We came on starting hard and then (after) halftime, we came even harder,” Ramirez said. “We grew more confident as the game went on. At halftime, we got the breather, came back in and just brought it.”
Templeton’s attack featured a smaller front, but leaned on its fleet-footed runners in Landen Miller and quarterback Anthony Chavez, along with senior wingback Dylan Kriling, who busted loose for an 80-yard touchdown in the second half.
“This is my first year playing football and I’m learning so much,” Kriling said. “I wish I would have played my other three years of high school. It was special tonight. It was a good game. I wish we would have come out with the W but we have Pioneer Valley next week. And hopefully we can keep on winning league games.”
Templeton Coach Don Crow said that a fumble near the Greyhounds end zone in the second half was costly, but a lot of important football is ahead.
“We still got a lot ahead of us,” Crow said. “We have three games to get ready for the playoffs. We have to come Monday ready to work.”
Atascadero Coach Vic Cooper credited the Eagles for battling as a team that is smaller in stature and numbers.
“I see two very even evenly matched teams,” Cooper said. “I see a Templeton team that maximizes their resources and as one of the smaller schools around, they put a great product out on the field every week.”
Cooper added: “In the end, it came down to a couple of plays, and our kids made the big plays. But I’d say if you live in the North County, then this is the greatest show around, so if you want to be entertained, come on out and watch Greyhound football. Next week is Homecoming, and it is going to be equally exciting.”
Atascadero next faces Morro Bay at home on Friday while Templeton hosts Pioneer Valley.
Saint Joseph 38, Paso Robles 10
The Bearcats of Paso Robles (4-3, 2-2) fell to the St. Joseph Knights, who improved to 4-0 in Mountain League play.
Connor Bowman had a rushing touchdown for the Bearcats, who also added a field goal but couldn’t slow down a potent St. Joseph offense.
Paso Robles is at Santa Ynez next week.
Arroyo Grande 28, Righetti 7
The Eagles (3-4, 2-2 Mountain) dominated Righetti Friday night, led by quarterback Drake Missamore, who had two throwing touchdowns with a long of 40 yards.
Ben Walz added two rushing touchdowns of 16 and 21 yards for the Eagles.
Arroyo Grande plays on the road at Mission Prep on Friday.
Santa Ynez 30, Nipomo 21
Gabe Evans, a Nipomo senior and four-year varsity player, had a big game for the Titans, but the were unable to collect their first win, falling to Santa Ynez, Coach Stephen Field said.
Evans had 17 carries, multiple sacks and tackles, and more than 100 yards rushing.
“Gabe is a leader and played great tonight,” Field said. “At the end of the day, it’s about these kids learning and having fun playing football.”
Nipomo (0-7, 0-3 Mountain League) is on the road against Lompoc next week.
Mission Prep 61, Lompoc 35
Mission Prep (5-2, 4-0 Mountain League) put up 61 points in a win over Lompoc on Friday. The Royals host Arroyo Grande next week.
Royals Coach David Schuster said quarterback Colby White converted touchdown passes to J.J. Howard and Tyler Garrett and had a huge scoring run.
“Colby had a ton of huge plays,” Schuster said. “He was in control the entire night.”
Schuster said the defense took over in the second half, highlighted by an interception by Cole Tanner that stalled the Braves’ offense.
Coast Union 44, San Luis Obispo Classical Academy 26
The Broncos improved to 5-1 with a victory over San Luis Obispo Classical Academy, which fell to 1-2 in Coast Valley League 8-man action.
San Luis Obispo 40, Morro Bay 34
San Luis Obispo SLO (6-2, 3-1 Ocean) beat Morro Bay (4-3, 2-1) in overtime on Saturday at Morro Bay.
The Tigers next face Santa Maria on the road while Morro Bay is at Atascadero in Week 8.
This story was originally published October 7, 2022 at 11:42 PM.