De La Salle's defense was stout through Friday's game, here getting big hits from Kevin Kaptz (33) and Victor Egu (44).
Photo by Stuart Browning
One game does not do in the Spartans. In fact, I think they'll run the table and get picked again to represent Northern California for the CIF's Open Division.
Other than ball security – four lost turnovers – and continued quarterback struggles, this wasn't as lopsided as the final score indicated.
Make no mistake, those are two critical areas in any game, but both are fixable.
On the major plus side, De La Salle's smallish front moved St. Thomas' massive line and averaged almost five yards per carry (not counting sacks). Until the final series, it also limited Aquinas' major running game to less than four yards per carry. The dynamic Aquinas duo of
Fred Coppet and
Dami Ayoola was held to a combined 79 yards on 21 carries.
"Those guys on defense come up and stick," Casullo said. "They're really, really good. I know we won, but we're beat up."
The problem at quarterback is simply a mystery and will get resolved.
Bart Houston has been absolutely nails since early in his sophomore season, but has struggled badly in his first three games of his senior year.
Playing the position – especially at a high-profile school – carries a tremendous burden. I can't imagine that pressure, even at the high school level. He's a great character kid and obviously has great tools. He made the finals of the Elite 11 camp. We predict he'll get it worked out and lead De La Salle to another championship and look forward to telling that comeback story.
This was his first varsity loss by the way. He's 27-1 controlling the keys to the De La Salle sports car. On Friday, the Spartans just threw a rod. It's expensive but surely fixable.
Max is mad with game (continue reading)
