LJ FB: Week 2 analysis

The view from inside the new team tunnel

looking out before the game. (Ed Piper)

LJ FB: Week 2 analysis


Looking back at La Jolla's football game against Bishop's in the first Pearl Street Trophy game Sept. 5, it's apparent that the Knights knew what was coming in the Viking offense and they knew how to stop it.

In the first series of La Jolla's first possession, following Brandon Bonham's 21-yard kickoff return at 4:57 of the first quarter, two times in the first three plays quarterback Collin Rugg had to run with the ball.

We all know that is not Coach Jason Carter's plan. Collin is not back in that QB position to use his legs for anything but setting or rolling out to look for Bonham up ahead on the perimeter, Carlton O'Neal in the flat, or some other variation. Or he's going to hand off to productive running back Joe Vang, given the opportunity as a sophomore because of senior Reid Martin's injury.

Bishop safety Bulla Graft said after the game, "We ran all their plays." Every opponent does that in practice to prepare for the Vikings the week leading up to the game. That's called "game install". The difference on these occasions is when the opponent clogs things up and, even with adjustments to the LJHS offense, the Vikings still can't make it work.

Rugg quickly did his reads on the opening 1st-and-10, saw no one open immediately, and with pressure he had to get out of the pocket. It worked out well that time, with him making a three-yard gain. That put the ball on the Vikings' own 29-yard line. That's not bad for the time being, but that can't be general practice.

The next play called for a handoff to Vang. He picked up a yard, with athletic Justin Woodley making the stop for the Knights. But then on 2nd-and-6 the needing-to-be-rugged Rugg had to pack the ball and run again. This time there was a penalty called on the Vikings. Bishop's called a timeout. La Jolla had a false start. And La Jolla was all the way back to the 19.

The offense got two more first downs, but then had to turn the ball over on downs when they couldn't convert on a 3rd-and-6 run by Vang, picking up only two yards, and a 4th-and-3, a loss of two by Vang at 2:02.

The Vikings had only held onto the ball for less than 2:55, hadn't scored, and now faced another ball-possession drought with Coach Joel Allen's Knights chewing up all the other minutes in the first quarter and scoring a second touchdown at 0:35.3 left in the period. This was a formula for frustration for Carter's crew. The spread passing game was being shut off at every turn that Rugg looked at for an open receiver.

La Jolla's second possession, begun with 0:22.7 left on the clock in the first quarter, started on the same note. Collin had to keep the ball, finding no one open, and Cyrus Nolan of the Knights bringing him down. Again, Rugg made some ground, four yards, to the 19.

Another Viking penalty brought the ball back half the distance to the goal line with the beginning of the second quarter and everyone switched to the other end of the field at Edwards Stadium. That put the ball on the 9, 2nd-and-8. Sophomore Vang carried for three yards. Rugg's hurl to Da'Jour Tims on third down was in traffic and almost intercepted. Once again, La Jolla couldn't convert on third down. Trenton Fudge had to punt.

The Vikings travel to Fallbrook Friday, Sept. 12, in week 3 for another non-league matchup. The Warriors are 2-0 after demolishing University City 42-18 at home on opening night, then shutting out Serra 55-0 on the Qs' home field Sept. 5.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper