High school football: Templeton outlasts Morro Bay as SLO and Arroyo Grande keep rolling

As league play began up for many schools in San Luis Obispo County on Friday, Templeton defeated Morro Bay in the Clash of the Coast rivalry.

Meanwhile, San Luis Obispo, Atascadero and Arroyo Grande pulled out narrow wins while Mission Prep and Nipomo dominated. Paso Robles has now dropped five of its last six games.

Templeton 41, Morro Bay 30

In the Clash of the Coast rivalry between Templeton and Morro Bay, the Eagles came out on top 41-30.

The rivalry between two of the smallest 11-man programs in SLO County dates back to 2006. Morro Bay’s head coach at the time, John Andree, called Templeton head coach Don Crow and asked if he would be interested in putting something at stake in the game.

Both teams offered up a helmet, and Crow had a friend seal it into a wooden panel bought by his wife.

The Eagles (3-4) have now won 11 of the last 18 games against the Pirates (2-5).

Despite having small school sizes and oftentimes being in the same league, the Eagles and Pirates couldn’t have more different play styles. Pirates quarterback Sands Dougherty has thrown for over 1700 passing yards coming into the game, whereas the Eagles are one of the most run-heavy teams in the county.

The Eagles showed off that strong rushing attack, before finishing off drives in the air. Quarterback Colter Tannehill completed a deep pass to receiver Colby Sims after the defense forced a turnover on downs. Tannehill also connected with Jaron Sampson in the third quarter to take a 20-16 lead.

But what made the difference was the Eagles’ defense forcing three turnovers.

Defensive back Quinn Tannehill intercepted a pass in the first quarter. In the second half, the Eagles recovered a fumble after the ball got lost in a pile. Then, Lineman Caleb Palm scooped up a fumble with 11:13 remaining in the fourth quarter.

As a result of the turnovers, the Pirates only had three offensive drives in the second half and were forced to play from behind.

“We put ourselves in a bad situation where we had to come back fast,” Head Coach Robert Dougherty said.

Emotions ran high on both sides as players got into skirmishes after the whistle blew. The Pirates were assessed multiple personal fouls and unsportsmanlike penalties that cost them yardage and hurt their defense.

“Those kids will understand that we can’t lose our emotions,” Dougherty said.

Templeton running backs Mark Mitchell and Tyler Cunningham led the way on the ground. Mitchell finished with two rushing touchdowns while Cunningham had one touchdown and a two-point conversion and ran for 180 yards. He nearly had another, but it was called back on a holding penalty.

Cunningham plays nearly every snap for the Eagles as he’s involved on offense, defense and special teams. He was coming off an injury, but his replacement had to exit the game due to injury, which forced Cunningham to stay on.

Dougherty finished the game with four touchdowns. On multiple occasions, he kept the ball himself to gain yards against the swarming Eagles defense.

In the fourth quarter, the Pirates were down 41-14 but Dougherty found Jayden Johnson for a touchdown after buying time scrambling. After a two-point conversion from Myer, Dougherty completed another touchdown pass to Myer in the back left corner of the end zone.

However, the Eagles held on to win for the sixth time in seven years against Morro Bay.

Templeton next faces San Luis Obispo on the road on Friday, while Morro Bay travels to Santa Maria.

Atascadero 28, Pioneer Valley 21

The Greyhounds have now won three games in a row after beating Pioneer Valley 28-21 on the road.

In the team’s first season under head coach Dan Loney, Atascadero (4-3) has found its rhythm as it continues league play.

Running back Austin Smith scored four touchdowns in the win.

Atascadero next faces Righetti at home on Friday.

San Luis Obispo 17, Righetti 7

According to SLO High School head coach Pat Johnston, the Tigers were against the odds going into the game against a formidable Righetti team.

The Warriors were coming off a bye week and were in their homecoming game. They were also 5-1 coming into the game against the Tigers (6-1).

The Tigers defense slowed down the Warriors, which has put up over 40 points in three of its last four games. On Friday, the Tigers held the Warriors to their lowest scoring output of the season.

“Our defensive coaching staff came up with a good game plan, and our players executed it,” Johnston said.

In the last minute of the game, the Tigers came up with a fumble recovery as the Warriors tried to sneak the ball in on the goal line. It was their second fumble recovery of the game.

On offense, quarterback Jace Gomes had a standout game with two rushing touchdowns. Kicker Aidan Dellinger converted one field goal.

“We feel like we’re in a good place playing good football and are relatively healthy going down home stretch of season,” Johnston said.

The Tigers have fallen short of a league title these past few seasons but are poised to be a contender in the Ocean League.

San Luis Obispo is at home against Templeton on Friday.

Arroyo Grande 17, Lompoc 14

The Eagles found a way to win despite having six total offensive drives in the game.

Lompoc’s strategy was to limit the Eagles’ (6-1) offensive possessions and waste clock, according to Head Coach Mike Hartman.

“We just had to keep playing,” said Hartman about the Braves play style tonight. “There are no easy games in the Mountain League, especially in an AG-Lompoc game where there is all kinds of history.”

Receiver Caleb Clark had a touchdown reception along with Tristan Coates off passes from Sam Wulff. Clark also had an interception.

Next Friday, Arroyo Grande hosts St. Joseph. The winner of the game will likely have a chancee to win the Mountain League. The Eagles won last year’s matchup.

Mission Prep 34, Caruthers 14

After a difficult slate of games, the Royals (3-4) picked up a win against Caruthers.

Jayden Nozil made two interception grabs and returned them for touchdowns.

Thomas Glenn, who was switched from quarterback to receiver, caught a touchdown. Vinny Orlando, who previously played receiver and defensive back, was switched to quarterback for the game.

Running back Miles Thompson had two rushing touchdowns.

According to Head Coach David Schuster, Glenn “volunteered” to move positions.

Schuster said via text message that it “felt like it would create an extra weapon on offense and Vinny played (junior varsity) quarterback for two years so he knows the offense.”

“I was really proud of Tommy for thinking that way and I decided to support his request,” Schuster said.

Mission Prep travels to Lompoc on Friday.

Nipomo 48, Santa Maria 7

The Titans (2-4-1) pick up their second win of the season in a blowout against Santa Maria.

Quarterback Blayne Lowry finished the game with three passing touchdowns and two rushing scores. Lowry threw a deep pass to receiver Nick Evans for an 81-yard touchdown.

Receiver Ayden Benzon caught two balls for touchdowns as well. Evans added a rushing touchdown.

Defensive back Juan Zarate returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown.

Nipomo hosts Cabrillo on Friday.

St. Joseph 26, Paso Robles 7

The Bearcats (2-6) have dropped five of their past six games.

However, the team has taken on some of the top teams in the area including Arroyo Grande, St. Joseph and Righetti. They’ve also lost to two Central Valley schools Madera and Buchanan.

Paso Robles will look to regroup during its bye week on Friday.