Cruising through some notable performances as most San Mateo County high schools opened the 2011 football season:
Best Comeback – Menlo: With his team trailing Santa Cruz 18-12 with less than 45 seconds left, first-year quarterback Matt Bradley led the visiting Knights on a game-winning 65-yard drive. Dylan Mayer’s 2-yard TD run as time expired tied the game, and Timmy Costa’s ensuing PAT won it 19-18 for Menlo, which climbed out of 12-0 halftime deficit. Mayer also had a 60-yard scoring run to knot the game at 12 midway through the fourth quarter.
All Out Dominance – Serra’s Erich Wilson: The Colorado-bound running back set a single-game program record with six rushing touchdowns, carrying 12 times for 175 yards in the Padres’ 52-6 home win over Wilcox. Wilson also tied DeLeon Eskridge’s 2006 Serra mark of six total TDs in a game.
Jack of All Trades – Terra Nova’s Nick Manessis: The senior hauled in six passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns in the Tigers’ wild 32-31 loss against Sacred Heart Cathedral at Kezar Stadium. Manessis also starred on defense, registering an interception and a tackle for a safety.
Biggest Defensive Statement – Burlingame: With little margin for error, the Panther defense delivered in a big way. Visiting Burlingame blanked Saratoga 10-0, collecting its first shutout in 25 games against a SCVAL De Anza team that averaged 26.6 points a year ago. The Panthers had their fewest points in a winning effort in nearly five years.
Most Encouraging Performance – Woodside: After enduring back-to-back 1-9 seasons, the Wildcats kicked off the 2011 slate with a 20-6 road victory over a Sacramento team that put up 30 points in winning at Woodside a year ago.
Best Balance – Sequoia: Four Cherokees accounted for the team’s five touchdowns in a 35-14 win over Branham. Sequoia overwhelmed the visitors with its rushing game – all its scores came on the ground, and only one was longer than 5 yards, a 13-yarder by Josh Lauese.
