Paso Robles beats Atascadero in rivalry football showdown, 30-15
– In a highly anticipated rivalry showdown against the Atascadero Greyhounds, the Paso Robles High School Bearcats football team snapped their losing streak, overpowering the Greyhounds on their home turf with a 30-15 win.
The Bearcats struck first in the opening quarter, as junior quarterback Marcus Garcia orchestrated a steady drive. They made their way down to the red zone, where Brandon Clements scored a three-yard rushing touchdown with two minutes left of the first quarter.
The Bearcats had total offensive possession during the first 10 minutes of the game, gaining yards and completing passes to their intended receivers. The Greyhounds wasted no time responding in the second quarter, powering into the end zone with an eight-yard rushing touchdown. A successful extra point gave them a 7-6 lead early in the quarter.
After a back-and-forth battle throughout the second quarter, the Bearcats’ defense held firm, coming up big as they forced a fumble on the Greyhounds’ opening possession of the third quarter.
This turnover shifted momentum, allowing the Bearcats to strike back immediately. A well-executed 12-yard pass to senior Jonathan Druding set up their second touchdown, reclaiming the lead at 12-7.
Undeterred by the touchdown, the Greyhounds responded right back with a passing touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion, gaining the lead again and scoring 15-12.
At this point, it seemed as if the game could swing either way. Both teams were battling back and forth, executing off turnovers to capitalize on opportunities and gain the lead over one another.
The Bearcats’ defense delivered a standout play late in the third quarter when sophomore defensive back Matthew Ammann stripped the ball from a Greyhounds rusher and returned it all the way to the end zone for a thrilling touchdown to gain back the lead 18-15.
As the fourth quarter began, the Greyhounds struggled to gain any momentum, repeatedly stifled by the relentless Bearcats defense. On offense, the Bearcats continued to dominate, and once they were in the red zone, senior running back Brandon England powered through with a seven-yard rushing touchdown to extend the lead 24-15.
With under two minutes left of the game, the Bearcats sealed the victory, as England delivered another rushing touchdown, bringing the final score to 30-15.
The Bearcats had such a dominant second half, overpowering the Greyhounds and executing their game plan well to their advantage.
“The big thing was that we figured out what they were trying to do defensively,” said head coach Matt Carroll. “So we spread them out, ran the ball, and threw it. Basically, we mixed up our formula.”
Coach Carroll emphasized the importance of the team’s adaptability in responding effectively to the Greyhounds’ defensive strategies.
The Bearcats are now 2-3 after their rivalry win on the road, and they look to turn their season around moving forward.
The Bearcats’ next home game is at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, at War Memorial Stadium against Buchanan High School.
-Report and photos by Joslen Jimenez
