NOVATO — The Kelseyville Knights are in full learning curve mode after falling 55-0 to a strong San Marin varsity football team in the season opener for both clubs Friday night in Novato.
“A quality team, good size and the line worked well,” Kelseyville head coach Erick Larsen said of the Mustangs (1-0). “Their skill kids had us beat in speed. When we made a mistake we paid dearly.”
With all but one Kelseyville player competing in his first varsity game, Larsen said the Knights made their fair share of miscues but “played hard” the entire way and improved as the game progressed.
“I am proud of how hard they worked,” he said.
While the Knights have considerable work to do in many areas, Larsen said there a couple of things that really stood out.
“On defense, we need to take appropriate angles and work on our approach on tackling,” he said. “And our offensive line needs to fire off the ball. It was a case of slow minds, slow feet.”
There were a couple of bright spots, too.
“Cisco Howland did an amazing job carrying the ball. He worked hard and there was second effort,” Larsen said of the sophomore running back who led the team in rushing with 36 yards on 15 carries.
On defense, Sam Vanoven anchored Kelseyville’s linebacker corps and had the Knights’ only sack.
“He impressed me at linebacker,” Larsen said.
The Knights (0-1) trailed 21-0 after one quarter and 41-0 at halftime. It was 55-0 after three quarters.
Kelseyville turned the ball over twice and had no takeaways on defense. Brandon Frace led the team with six tackles while Joey Gentle and Payton Lyndall added four apiece.
San Marin won the junior varsity game 60-0.
The Knights have a bye next Friday and return to action Sept. 10 in Fortuna.
