POTTER VALLEY >> The Upper Lake Cougars scored a combined 34 points in their first two games, losses to Rincon Valley Christian and Calistoga. On Friday night at Potter Valley, they scored nearly that many – 32 — in the second quarter alone while opening up a 52-0 halftime lead.
Upper Lake went on to beat Potter Valley 60-6 in North Central League III varsity football action, giving first-year head coach Mike Smith his first victory. Coming off a hard-fought 14-12 loss at Calistoga last week, Smith said finally reaching the win column was a big relief, not only for himself but for his banged up bunch of Cougars.
“We definitely needed that positive confidence boost,” Smith said. “And it feels good.”
Upper Lake won without three key starters, running backs Dre Santos and Chris Fecht and defensive end Francisco Gregorio-Flores, all out injured.
“Junior Fernandez and Kenneth Hodges both stepped up,” Smith said of two players promoted from Upper Lake’s junior varsity squad. “Their competitive spirit through the week brought the veterans up to compete for their jobs.”
Hodges caught two passes for 29 yards in the first quarter.
“He set the tone,” Smith said of the sophomore.
If Smith set the tone, junior running back Jacob Kalawaia provided the brute strength necessary to tear the Potter Valley defense apart. He rushed for 122 yards and three touchdowns and also caught three passes for 24 yards and another score. On defense, he logged his eighth sack of the season.
“He was running hard,” Smith said. “It was a combination of him and (offensive lineman) Khalil George. George basically said, ‘Run behind me,’ and Jacob did.”
Upper Lake (1-2, 1-2) had a 20-0 lead after one quarter and never looked back. The Cougars led 60-0 through three quarters. Potter Valley finally scored in the final period. For the first time this season Upper Lake had more rushing yards than passing yards. Quarterback Derek Pritchard went 8-for-9 for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Replacing Kalawaia on defense late in the game, Anthony Brackett not only logged his first sack of the season, but he finished with a team-leading four sacks overall.
“He did a nice job filling in for Jacob,” Smith said.
Fernandez also had a big game on defense with seven solo tackles and five assists. Anthony Serrano had an interception.
Upper Lake returns home a week from today to play Branson School of Ross in a non-league game. Branson and Stuart Hall of San Francisco will join the NCL III next season. Upper Lake’s junior varsity team also is home next week and will play Round Valley at noon. The Upper Lake-Branson varsity game follows.
The Cougars’ next NCL III game is Oct. 1 at home against the Tomales Braves at 1 p.m.
