The Campolindo Cougars opened their season with a commanding 42–7 victory over the Granada Matadors on Friday, August 28, in Livermore. Led by a senior-heavy lineup, the Cougars relied on their experience and chemistry to secure their first win of the year.
“Our team has a lot of returning seniors who started as juniors,” said senior quarterback Reid Habas. “Last year we created a bond, and it helped us get off to a good start this season.”
The game began with a strong kickoff return by senior Sean Parker, giving the Cougars excellent field position at their own 40-yard line. The offense drove down the field, and Habas connected with senior Everett Zellmer on a slant route for the first touchdown of the season.
On defense, senior Crosby Kelly, who recently committed to San Diego State University, started at middle linebacker after playing defensive end last year. He recorded eight tackles and one tackle for loss. Granada threatened to score after converting a fake punt, but penalties stalled their drive, and they missed a 17-yard field goal.
Granada eventually tied the game at 7–7, but the Cougars responded immediately. Sean Parker returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, and shortly after, senior defensive back Lucas Cano intercepted Granada quarterback Caiden Van Leer and returned it 27 yards for a pick-six. Those plays gave Campo a 21–7 halftime lead despite limited offensive production. “I thought we played well in the first half, especially on the opening drive,” said Habas. “The defense gave us a boost, and we knew we had to play better in the second half.”
After halftime, Campolindo’s defense forced Granada to punt, and senior running back Micah Parker broke free for a 46-yard run to the red zone. Two plays later, he scored his first touchdown of the season to extend the lead to 28–7.
Kelly added a diving 20-yard catch to set up another score, and Habas hit Zellmer on a 7-yard stop route for his second touchdown of the game. Habas finished the night with a near-perfect passer rating of 151.8, throwing two touchdowns and no interceptions.
In the fourth quarter, Habas found Zellmer on a screen pass that he took to Granada’s 15-yard line. A few plays later, junior Garret Joyce powered into the endzone for Campo’s final touchdown. With the backups in, senior defensive back Jamal Thompson sealed the game with an interception on the final play, on his birthday. “It was my best birthday,” Thompson said with a smile. Cano’s pick-six earned him Campolindo’s “Player of the Week” honors from State Farm.
“Playing middle backer was different, but the defense still balled out,” Kelly said. “It’s great to get a win on the road and start the season 1–0.” The Cougars carried their momentum into their next game, defeating the Northgate Broncos 42–21 on the road. “Getting the pick last game was great,” Cano said before the Northgate matchup, “but we gotta stay locked in and get another win.”
With two decisive victories to start the season, the Cougars look to keep their winning streak alive as they continue their nonleague schedule.
