Week one games
Friday
Clear Lake 49, Pierce 14
Middletown 49, Salesian 20
John Swett 46, Lower Lake 28
Saturday
Berean Christian 43, Kelseyville 7
Statistical leaders
Rushing — Clear Lake”s Kevin Burt rushed for 213 yards and three touchdowns in his first varsity game, while Lower Lake”s Chris Perry also had a strong varsity debut with 121 yards on 18 carries. Middletown”s Eric Tomko added 107 yards on 13 carries and two TDs. Clear Lake”s Travis Stockton rushed for 84 yards and three touchdowns.
Passing — Middletown”s Matt Outen had one of the best games of his varsity career, completing 9 of 12 passes for 220 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions against Salesian. Lower Lake”s Stephen Whitcomb threw for the most yards in week one, hitting on 7 of 15 passes for 235 yards and four touchdowns in a loss to John Swett. Whitcomb also was making his varsity debut.
Receiving — Lower Lake”s Ryan Walker caught five passes for 179 yards, including TD grabs of 48, 29 and 70 yards. Middletown”s Danny Beckwith had two catches for 86 yards and a TD, and Kelseyville”s Mike Allen caught two passes for 85 yards and a TD.
Highlights
Special teams — Middletown”s Danny Beckwith attempted seven extra points and made them all. Kelseyville”s punt and kickoff coverage teams allowed Berean Christian to return the ball inside the Kelseyville 20 four different times.
Defense — Middletown”s Johnny Harmyk registered two quarterback sacks. Clear Lake forced five turnovers in its win over Pierce. Middletown”s Tony Zagajowski returned an interception 20 yards for a touchdown. Lower Lake tackle Victor Sevin had 10 solo tackles and eight assists against John Swett.
And it could have been worse — Clear Lake had two long touchdowns called back against Pierce.
Points aplenty — The final scores in the three Friday night games involving Lake County teams ? 49-14, 49-20, 46-28.
Archrivals meet early — Clear Lake hosts Kelseyville on Friday night. It seems strange to see this game take place so early in the season.
Interlock play arrives — In addition to Clear Lake home to face Kelseyville, St. Helena calls on Lower Lake and Upper Lake visits Fort Bragg on Friday night. On Saturday, Middletown travels to Petaluma to play St. Vincent.
Trading places — Just as Clear Lake did a few seasons back, the Upper Lake Cougars have changed sidelines. Upper Lake has occupied the west sideline (next to the grandstand) for years, but they were on the east sideline during their season opener Sept. 6 against Potter Valley. The Cougars also have moved fans back from the field by blocking off access to the immediate playing area, including the dirt track between the main grandstand and the field. There is no longer fan seating on the east side of the field. All the fans, home and visitor, now must sit in the stands on the west side of the field.
Streaks — The Cardinals are 14-0-1 in their last 15 regular-season games.
Hey, it”s a number thing — Middletown”s 49-20 win over Salesian was the 166th victory for Bill Foltmer as the Mustangs” head coach, and the 185th of his varsity coaching career. He can”t reach 200 this season but he just might next year.
Dead man walking — The Raiders” Lane Kiffin.
Does anyone know? — Does Kelseyville have a cross country coach … yet?
Piling up the yards — Clear Lake had 504 yards of total offense against Pierce, and won. Lower Lake had 404 yards against John Swett, and lost. And Middletown had 373 yards against Salesian, and won.
JV coaches, come on down — Junior varsity football coaches are welcome to report their scores and statistics on Monday (after 3:30 p.m.). Don”t say we didn”t offer.
Class A Dude”s Rankings (North Coast Section Class A Football Great 8 Rankings):
1. Ferndale (2-0) — Reigning section champ dominated Willits 48-0.
2. Justin Siena (2-0) — Beat Division III Acalanes 36-13.
3. Middletown (1-0) — Beat a good Salesian team 49-20.
4. St. Patrick/St. Vincent (1-1) — Beat Division III Hercules 48-12.
5. Clear Lake (1-0) — Crushed Pierce on the road 49-14.
6. John Swett (1-0) — Beat Lower Lake 46-28.
7. Cloverdale (1-0) — Shutout Division III Elsie Allen 20-0.
8. Berean Christian (1-1) — Played Division III El Molino tough in opener and crushed Kelseyville 43-7 on Saturday.
