Bearcats dominate Greyhounds in 97th rivalry showdown

By Hayley Mattson · Thu Sep 25 2025

Paso Robles overpowers Atascadero 49-14 on Homecoming night at War Memorial Stadium on Friday

PASO ROBLES — The air was filled with anticipation at War Memorial Stadium on Friday, Sept. 19, as the Paso Robles High School Bearcats faced off against their longtime rivals, the Atascadero Greyhounds, in the 97th chapter of one of San Luis Obispo County’s most storied high school football rivalries. Dating back to 1919, this century-old feud, interrupted only by World War II and near misses during the pandemic, has long been a cornerstone of community pride, with both teams battling for division titles, playoff berths, and even CIF championships. On this electric Homecoming night for Paso Robles, the Bearcats delivered a commanding performance, rolling over the Greyhounds 49-14 in front of a packed house where every seat was taken and fans stood shoulder-to-shoulder to witness the clash of red and orange.

The rivalry, one of the oldest on California’s Central Coast, thrives on its intensity and tradition. Beyond the field, the annual Paso Robles Rotary Club luncheon fosters camaraderie, bringing players from both schools together to promote sportsmanship and community spirit. For many, the game is personal — alumni often return as coaches, fueling the competition with memories of their own playing days. The series history is a rollercoaster of dominance and heartbreak, with no definitive all-time record but a clear pattern of momentum swings. Paso Robles owned a seven-year win streak from 2016 to 2023, with lopsided victories like 48-7 in 2019, powered by four rushing touchdowns from Gerald Norte, and 42-13 in 2021, sparked by three first-quarter scores. Atascadero broke through in 2023, snapping a six-year drought with a 28-14 thriller at War Memorial Stadium. But Paso reclaimed the upper hand in September 2024 with a 30-15 road win, and Friday’s rematch solidified their resurgence.

Photos by Rick Evans/ATN

The Bearcats (2-3) wasted no time asserting control. On Atascadero’s opening possession, safety Talen Freitas intercepted a pass, setting up a quick 9-yard touchdown pass to Tre Clark. Clark struck again later in the first half with a 29-yard rushing score, putting Paso Robles ahead 14-0. The momentum carried through the night, with the Bearcats’ offense finding a rhythm that had eluded them earlier in the season. Yannie Gelos led the charge, rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown on just five carries, while Kassim Williams added two scores. Blayne Lowry contributed a 4-yard touchdown run, and the Bearcats’ defense suffocated Atascadero with four interceptions, dismantling the Greyhounds’ misdirection plays.

Atascadero (2-2) showed signs of life before halftime when quarterback Mike Trejo connected with Jacob Perry for a 53-yard pass, setting up Trejo’s 5-yard rushing touchdown. Trejo finished with 142 yards and one touchdown on 13 passes, with Perry hauling in 54 receiving yards, but the spark fizzled as Paso Robles’ relentless attack took over. The Bearcats’ 49-point outburst was their highest since 2016, when they scored 51 points against Frontier, and matched their 2021 output of 49 points in this same rivalry matchup. The second half saw Paso Robles pull away decisively, leaving Atascadero unable to counter the Bearcats’ balanced offensive onslaught and stifling defense.

The game was more than just a football contest — it was a celebration of community. Paso Robles’ Homecoming festivities set the stage, with the Bearcat Boosters hosting a pre-game tailgate at The Backyard Beer Garden on 13th Street from 4 to 6 p.m. The event, free and open to the public, drew a vibrant crowd of alumni, families, and fans decked out in letterman jackets, cheer sweaters, and Bearcat gear. The Backyard donated a portion of its sales to the Boosters, amplifying the communal spirit. At halftime, the Homecoming court took center stage, with Tre Clark and his girlfriend Anaiah Prado crowned king and queen, adding a personal triumph to Clark’s two-touchdown performance.

Photos by Rick Evans/ATN

The football rivalry between Paso Robles and Atascadero has produced memorable games over the years, with Paso Robles holding a strong edge in recent matchups. In 2011, Paso Robles staged a comeback from a 13-0 deficit to win 28-20. They continued their dominance in 2015, defeating Atascadero 28-18 and ending their season. The 2018 game was a nail-biter, with Paso Robles securing a 28-24 victory in a thrilling fourth-quarter finish. In 2019, Paso Robles extended their streak with a commanding 48-7 win, marking their fourth consecutive victory over Atascadero. The 2021 season saw two matchups: in May, Paso Robles exploded in the first quarter to win 42-13, and in September, they relied on a run-heavy strategy to secure a 21-6 victory. In 2022, a late touchdown by Bowman sealed a 35-21 Paso Robles win. Atascadero broke their six-year losing streak in 2023, defeating Paso Robles 28-14. However, Paso Robles bounced back in 2024, capitalizing on turnovers for a 30-15 comeback victory. Most recently, in 2025, Paso Robles dominated with a 49-14 homecoming blowout, further cementing their rivalry dominance.

For Paso Robles, they have struggled to find their footing this season; however, the rivalry game felt like a turning point. The offense, long searching for balance, clicked with a seamless mix of run and pass plays that left Atascadero’s defense scrambling. The Bearcats’ defense, meanwhile, was a wall, capitalizing on turnovers to shut down the Greyhounds’ hopes of a comeback. This victory marked Paso Robles’ second straight win, boosting their record to 2-3 and signaling a potential shift in momentum as they head into the heart of their season.

Atascadero, now 2-2, faces a tough challenge next as they host Templeton on Friday at 7 p.m. The Eagles, averaging 33.5 points per game, will test the Greyhounds’ defense, which struggled to contain Paso Robles’ explosive attack. The Bearcats, meanwhile, travel to face Buchanan at 7 p.m. on Friday, a team that has scored at least 31 points in its last three games. Paso Robles will need to sustain their newfound offensive rhythm and defensive tenacity to keep their winning streak alive.