Templeton loses first-round CIF Central Section game against Washington Union
NORTH COUNTY — We are officially in CIF playoff season in North County, and the Atascadero High football team has again made it to the quarterfinals. This Thursday, Nov. 9, the Greyhounds will play Washington Union from Fresno, who won their game last Friday against the Templeton Eagles.
While the Greyhounds had a first-round bye in the CIF Central Section Division III bracket, the Eagles played the Washington Union Panthers in the opening round and lost 25-7. After a scoreless first quarter, Washington Union made its advance in the second quarter, securing an 18-7 halftime lead, and scoring a second-half touchdown to ice it.
The Eagles ended their season with a 5-6 record and the Panthers advance with a 4-7 record to play Atascadero Greyhounds this week.
The Greyhounds will be stepping into CIF with 10-0 regular-season record. They ended their Ocean League season with a 42-24 win against Pioneer Valley Panthers on Friday, Oct. 27.
As Coach Victor Cooper’s first undefeated season in his career, he starts this year’s CIF road in the quarterfinals with a strong team.
“We have many players stepping up all over the place. Kane [Cooks] and Mateo [Cano] have been leaders all year, and we expect them to continue as long as we can keep this thing going,” said Cooper.
Senior Mateo Cano secured three touchdowns in the Pioneer Valley game. Another senior, Kane Cooks, has made a name for himself this season as quarterback. Cooks has secured 90 points this season for the Greyhounds. According to MaxPreps, he is ranked in the top 91 in California for one stat, top 16 in Central Section for one stat, and top 1 in Division III for two stats.
As for Cano, he is ranked in the top 61 in Central Section for one stat, top 8 in Division III for one stat, and top six in Ocean League for one stat. Together, the seniors hope to bring one more championship to the Greyhounds’ plate.
With a bye last week, the Greyhounds have had some additional time to prepare for Thursday.
“We’ve always had a one-week plan,” Cooper said. “Not looking ahead or behind. The record has nothing to do with the game this week. We are solely focused on Washington Union.
“The Panthers are a solid team that has had some success in a tough league. We expect a battle. Good vs. good. It’s gonna be entertaining.”
The Greyhounds will face the Panthers this Thursday, Nov. 9, on the Atascadero High field at 7 p.m.
Feature Image and Gallery: The Atascadero High Greyhounds are show in action in their final regular-season game, a 42-24 win over the Pioneer Valley Panthers on Friday, Oct. 27. Photos by Rick Evans
