Just like last year, the game against Menlo-Atherton couldn't get any closer. A one point margin was the difference in both games, but this year's final score was 22 - 21...... Cougars!! Competition and enthusiasm during practice are key ingredients to prepare against tough opponents. Adriano Gutierrez and Aaron Contreras both exemplified this and were awarded Scout players of the week for their efforts. The game was filled with tension and big plays made by both teams. In the final minutes with the home stands rocking, the game was won, then looked lost, and then won again in dramatic fashion. Offensive player of the week Kai Zannette made three great catches for 76 yards to lead all receivers, including a nine yard gain on 3rd and 8 to keep the first drive alive. Zannette got hit hard just as the ball arrived but hung on inside the two yard line to set up PJ Modena on a TD run the next play. Senior quarterback Liam Harrington then hit Dio Lucido for a two point conversion pass and the Cougars led 8-0 early. After holding MA on fourth down near midfield, Zannette hauled in a 50 yard reception from Owen Miller on a reverse pass, ending up inside the Bears five yard line. A few plays later, Modena plunged in for his second touchdown run and would grind out 134 yards on 23 carries on the night. The Cougars led 15-0 in the first quarter after Special Teams player of the week Julian Jimenez made the first of his two PAT kicks. Jiminez also kicked off effectively, preventing return yards and Connor Heath recovered his punt after M-A muffed it later in the half. Things looked easy early, until the Bears scored on their second possession on a 78 yard burst to make it 15 - 7. They scored again on their next drive and it was 15 - 14 at halftime. The Bears scored with 5 1/2 minutes to go in the third quarter and led 21- 15. The Cougars responded to their score with a score of their own in the fourth quarter with Miller on the receiving end this time. On 4th and goal from the 5 yard line, Harrington, who finished 9 of 14 for 109 yards, bought time while Miller slipped into the back corner of the end zone for the grab. After some back and forth, things got really exciting late. The Cougars appeared to hold on fourth down with the ball on the Bears 40 yard line, but a questionable pass interference call gave MA the ball on the Cougar 45 with two and a half minutes to play. Peter Valdez made a touchdown-saving tackle a few plays later, but the ball rested on the six yard line with a minute remaining and an easy chip shot field goal in reach. Given the Bears have a kicker with a strong leg, that's when all seemed lost, but three penalties on the Bears put the ball on the 26 yard line for a third down and goal play. Another big play was needed and Ayden Courtney delivered by sacking the MA quarterback all the way back at the 43 yard line. One last heave into the end zone was knocked away by Lucido and the Cougars came out victorious in their first Bay division game of the season. The Cougars are 5-0 heading into next Saturday's game at Sacred Heart Prep against the Gators.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a52T7G7vcYg
This week’s Community Cougar is Mikey Barragan. Mr. Barragan is a teacher and baseball coach at Half Moon Bay. Mr. Barragan is an HMB Alum who is all about the Orange and Black. Mr. Barragan lives downtown with his wife Alena, and two kids, Quicy and Abby. The Cougars would like to thank Mr. Barragan for all he has done and continues to do for Half Moon Bay Football and the overall Half Moon Bay community.