Greyhounds lose game to Arroyo Grande
High school football returns to North County schools
–High school football returned to the North County Friday night. Although fans were restricted in attendance, the few who showed up during light showers enjoyed it almost as much as the players.
The Atascadero Greyhounds lost to Arroyo Grande 33-21 Friday night at Doug Hitchen Stadium on the campus of AGHS. Both the Greyhounds and the AG Eagles had to cancel games against teams from Santa Maria because of their opponent’s numerous cases of the COVID-19 virus. That’s how the teams ended up playing each other to open the season. The Greyhounds play next Friday night against Mission College Prep in San Luis Obispo.
At War Memorial Stadium in Paso Robles, the highly regarded St. Joseph Knights out of Santa Maria beat the Bearcats 44-0. Local football coaches regard the Knights to be the top team on the Central Coast. The Bearcats travel to San Luis Obispo next Friday night to take on the Tigers.
In Templeton, the Eagles hosted the Wasco Tigers. Only three fans made the trip from Wasco to watch the team play the host Eagles. The home fans were few because of restrictions on attendance. They scattered around the bleachers at safe distance like students taking an important examination. Templeton jumped scored several early touchdowns and a field goal. The Eagles stymied the Tigers’ powerful run offense and forced a fumble in the first quarter. At halftime, the Eagles led 25-0. In the second half, the Tigers started throwing the ball more and were able to score three touchdowns, but the Eagles hung to win 39-22. Eagles running back Josh Berna gained 164 rushing yards. Tyler Kaschewski rushed for 123 yards and three touchdowns.
After the game ended, players on both teams congratulated each other and showed appreciation for finally being allowed to play.
The Templeton Eagles host the Righetti Warriors next Friday. The Warriors had to cancel their scheduled game Friday night because of too many cases of COVID-19.
Despite the rain and restrictions on attendance, players, coaches, fans, and officials agreed it was great to see high school football return to the North County.
