Greyhounds and Lions Slug it Out

played its final regular season away game Friday night, defeating the El Molino Lions 18-6 in a game controlled by the defenses.  

Neither team could make in to the end zone during the first quarter.  Both defenses, stopping the other teams ground attacks, controlled the pace of the game.  Despite several long plays by both sides, neither could score.   

finally got it’s offense on track in the second quarter, scoring on two touch down passes. The first a 46 yard pass to Andrew Kozel with 6:49 left in the quarter. The Hounds missed the extra point kick keeping the score at 6-0. 

scored again with 1:42 left in the half on a 36 yard completion to Charlie Conrad.  Healdsburg failed to convert the two-point try and the went in to the locker room at the half with a 12-0 lead.   

The second half started with the Hounds receiving the kick-off.  Starting at their own 18 yard line the Hound offense turned to the air to penetrate the Lioin defense.  Healdsburg used a combination of pass completions, rushes by star running back Gerardo Cervantes and long gains by senior quarterback Max Opperman to march to the end zone. 

Opperman completed a 9 yard pass to Charlie Conrad with 6:06 left in the third quarter for Healdsburg’s third and final score of the night.  They once again failed to convert a two-point try and led 18-0.  The 82 yard drive allowed the Hounds controlled the ball for nearly half of the third quarter on a single possession . 

Healdsburg failed to execute an on-sides kick, providing the Lions with excellent field position.  However the Hounds defense was able to stop El Molino once again.  The Third quarter ended with the Lions recovering a Healdsburg fumble at the El Molino one yard line, once again stopping the Hound offense.  

With both offenses’ rushing games stymied during the first half, they both turned to the air in the second.  Opperman successful opened up the Lions defense with a series of well placed passes, allowing both Opperman and Geraldo Cervantes the opportunity for substantial rushing gains.  However, a combination of a stong Lion defense and penalties kept the Hounds from scoring again.

Despite a strong offensive showing by the Lions in the fourth quarter, the Hounds managed to keep them off the score board until with 44 seconds left in the game, junior Kasey Mancini rushed for a 4 yard TD, giving El Molino their only score of the game.  A dropped pass to Levi Karns prevent the two-point conversion and the score was 18-6.

El Molino recovered an on-side kick and went to the air with long passes to try and score again.  However, the Hound defensive secondary was ready and the Lions were stopped, with the final score standing at 18-6.

The play theirat home against the Casa Grande Gouaches.