Austin Battles waits for the snap during the game against Yosemite earlier this season. Also pictured for MCHS are Brady Arebalo, Mason Bissmeyer and Rusty Bull. Photos by Amanda White
Coming off of a gold nugget win against Yosemite, the Mariposa County High School football team traveled to Big Valley Christian last week for their second game of the season.
On Aug. 28, the Grizzlies had a competitive game against the Lions where both JV and varsity left with wins.
JV won 14-7 and set the tone for the night.
“They came out and scored 14 in the first quarter,” said JV coach Jason Scherf.
“They really held their own and I’m proud of them.”
Varsity walked away with the win, 35-14.
“The boys stepped off the bus focused and ready from the opening kickoff,” said varsity coach Chase Pometta.
“All 37 players got into the game and played hard; our depth continues to show.”
Lyell Marcis, Rusty Bull, Beau Pokora and Brandon Marquez stepped up and completely shut down the outside threats.
“Laten Butler is our free safety and having him back there allows us to be aggressive with our coverages,” Pometta explained.
JV players Devon Coca (8) and Brody Leonard (11) are pictured during game action earlier this season.
Butler touched the ball seven times and had over 100 yards and a touchdown.
“This was the second week in a row that the defense tried to bracket him,” Pometta said.
“He can cover the whole field and is showing to be a problem for opposing offenses.”
The Grizzlies continue to step up offensively.
“They are in sync in everything they do and it’s fun to watch,” Pometta said.
“It didn’t matter how many guys Big Valley put in the box, we were confident in our line to lead the way in the run game.”
Sophomore quarterback Austin Battles continues to navigate the offense well.
“He made some great reads, both pre and post snap,” continued Pometta.
“We give him a lot of freedom in the offense, and he’s proving that he can handle it. He’s playing very efficient football right now.”
The Grizzlies head into the bye week with a record of 2-0.
“Practices will be more focused on skill development and technique, contact will be very light,” said Pometta.
“We are going to do a lot of things during the week from film study, team strength and conditioning in the weight room, to a lot of Indy periods in practice.”
It’s important to note there is no game on Sept. 5 as the team has a scheduled bye week.
MCHS will jump back into game action on Friday, Sept. 12 as they travel to Tollhouse to face the Sierra Chieftains (1-1).
JV is scheduled for 5 p.m. followed by varsity at 7.
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