DeLaSalle 40, Serra 22
Coming off a big win over Buchanan two weeks ago, the Serra Padres were supposed to give the De La Salle Spartans a big test in their season opener. Instead, De La Salle started a new win streak at one and counting with a 40-22 win over Serra. See story.
Fowler 38, Parlier 0
It was supposed to be a showdown between two of the top small-school programs in the Central Section. Instead, Fowler overwhelmed Parlier 38-0 to up its record to 3-0 on the season. Fowler was among the state's best small school baseball teams last spring. Could the Bearcats prove to be one of the best small school football teams this fall? A future date with Caruthers could answer that question.
Birmingham 20, Long Beach Poly 7
Don't start writing any obituaries for the Birmingham football team just yet. Coming off a disappointing loss to Crespi in the season opener, Birmingham built a 20-0 lead Friday to shock the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits 20-7. Poly was coming off an impressive win against Glenville, Ohio, but was unable to get anything done against the Birmingham defense, led by Marquis and Malik Jackson. Meanwhile Milton Knox gained 85 yards rushing and scored a pair of touchdowns. He also told the Long Beach Press Telegram that Friday's win was "the biggest win in Birmingham football history."
Novato 25, Foothill 22
The Hornets avenged their only loss from last season when they fell to Foothill of Pleasanton and then won 12 straight games and a North Coast Section title. The game was the first for new Foothill coach John Mannion, who replaced longtime coach Matt Sweeney. He went with sophomore son Sean Mannion at quarterback, who delivered a 10-for-21 effort for 126 yards and a 13-yard scoring pass to Austin Day. But Novato countered with a three-touchdown effort by quarterback Jeff Stephens.
Palo Alto 20, McClymonds 6
Palo Alto lost a number of talented players from last year's CIF Division 2 Bowl Game squad, but Sione Mataele returns this year and he was a big part of the Vikings 20-6 win over McClymonds last week. Mataele had two second-half touchdowns and ran 17 times for 113 yards for Palo Alto. Teammate Mike Scott added five receptions for 79 yards and also intercepted a pass while QB Will Brandin completed 11 of 17 passes for 133 yards. McClymonds scored on a 72-yard interception return by Michael Peters.
Jesuit 24, St. Mary's 13
According to the Sacramento Bee, the Jesuit defensive line, anchored by returning All-Metro selection Andrew Benjamin, limited St. Mary's to just 57 yards rushing in a 24-13 win on Saturday. Jesuit also picked off three passes to stymie three Ram drives. On the offensive side of the ball, Jesuit got a big day from Dominic Carmazzi, who completed 12 of 19 passes for 184 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown pass to Marquese Smith.
Cardinal Newman 35, Central Catholic 35
In a game that was supposed to settle who would gain the edge for this year's North representative to the CIF Division 3 Bowl Game, nothing was actually settled. Cardinal Newman and Central Catholic tied 35-35 with both teams missing a potential game-winning extra point on their final touchdowns. No overtime was played because the North Coast Section, of which Cardinal Newman is a member, does not allow for overtime in nonleague games. According to CN Paul Cronin's comments in the Modesto Bee, he feels his team still has the advantage due to a tougher scheduled that includes Del Oro, Oakdale and Montgomery. Louis Bland led Central Catholic with 190 yards on 25 carries and three touchdowns. He scored with 2 minutes, 12 seconds left to tie the game. Cardinal Newman quarterback Max Pond completed 27 of 49 passes for 338 yards. He also gained 77 yards rushing. Bari Mims caught 18 passes for 222 yards.
Notre Dame 17, Canyon 7
Despite having one of the top quarterbacks in the country, the Knights defeated Canyon of Canyon Country with defense on Friday. Notre Dame intercepted four Cowboy passes on the night and got a big game from defensive lineman Wes Horton, who had two sacks, a deflected pass that led to an interception and a fumble recovery. Notre Dame's Dayne Crist, who has committed to Notre Dame of South Bend, had an off night by his standards, completing 12 of 25 passes for 166 yards. Meanwhile Canyon quarterback Sean Gavin was 15 of 28 for 203 yards. His top receiver, Stephen Wirthlin, caught six passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. Notre Dame also defeated Canyon last year and the Cowboys went on to win the CIF Division 1 Bowl championship.
Hart 28, Moorpark 14
Hart avenged a loss to Moorpark from last year behind the arm of B.R. Holbrook, who threw for 177 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for 77 yards. Indian running back Delano Howell ran 17 times for 59 yards and also scored a touchdown. Adam Barry had a big overall night, completing 19 of 45 passes for 270 yards, however many of the completions and much of the yardage came late in the game when the contest was already decided.
Big Bear 28, Aquinas 9
All-everything quarterback Kris Proctor led Big Bear to its 16th straight win with 58 yards rushing, 74 yards passing and two rushing touchdowns. The Aquinas offense was unable to get much of anything going against the strong Big Bear line and didn't score a touchdown until the final play of the game.