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The Acorn's High School Football Game of the Week
Atascadero has started out strong, winning its first two games against Washington Union, 18-14, and destroying King City, 62-15. Thousand Oaks is 0-1, but according to TOHS head coach Mike Sanders, the team may have been victorious in Week 1 if not for one or two plays that seemed to turn the game around. "Our biggest thing we need to improve on is not making as many mental errors," Sanders said. "It seems our biggest opponent is us when we make these errors. However, I was very pleased with our physical play and our defense." The Lancers will have to be physical and play better against the run if they are to stand a chance against Atascadero. Last week, Brian Rios of Loyola dashed for 128 yards on 23 carries against TOHS, and it doesn't get any easier tomorrow night when the Lancers will have to deal with the Greyhounds Michael Reynoso, who had five carries for 166 yards against King City. "They have an option attack that it makes it very tough on us. You don't see much of that in the Marmonte League," Sanders said. "Their offensive line gets off the ball pretty well and that makes them successful." One of the key run stoppers for Thousand Oaks will be Evan Yabu, who had six tackles and three assists last week. "Coach Kline has helped me over the summer on coming up to the line and stopping the run better," Yabu said. "If we can put a pounding on them early, we should be able to stop their running game." On the offensive side of the ball, Sanders plans to continue to utilize both of his running backs- John Lister (12 carries for 63 yards) and Taylor Malm (10 carries for 48 yards). While the ground game is improving for the Lancers, the best weapon in Thousand Oaks' offensive arsenal continues to be quarterback Ryan Cloney. In Week 1, TOHS was successful in the air, as Cloney completed 17-of-22 pass attempts for 181 yards. Wide receiver Albert Sheehan, who had four receptions for 80 yards, seemed to benefit from Cloney's right arm and will need to continue to play well. Cloney said one of the keys to beating Atascadero will be staying in the right frame of mind on the long bus trip north to play the Greyhounds. "This week, in order to win, we will have to stay focused all the way up there because we will have distractions," Cloney said. "We have to make fewer mental errors than in our last game. Everyone has picked it up in practice this week, especially the offensive line." Although the Lancers have a tough non-league schedule this year, Sanders said it will help the team get ready for Marmonte League play, which starts Sept. 29 at Calabasas.
"Everyone says the biggest improvement of the year comes between your first and second games," Sanders said. "We're hoping that improvement can carry over into a win this week."
Jimmy Clausen QB, Oaks Christian: How's this for a stat line: 7-of-8 passing for 275 yards and four scores. No wonder he's going to Notre Dame. Scott Luft, WR/DB, Thousand Oaks: Luft recorded nine tackles against Loyola. On offense, he caught three passes for 29 yards. Mike Ferrari, DT, Newbury Park: The senior lineman had nine tackles and two sacks vs. Camarillo. |
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