LJ FB: Four linebackers back

By Ed Piper

Before La Jolla's game against Grossmont, Defensive Coordinator Randy Cowell said, "We have four linebackers (again). We're back to our basic alignment."

The Vikings had been missing a linebacker due to injury.

The alignment was effective, along with the other elements of La Jolla's defensive unit, helping forge a nail-biting, late-in-the-game-doubt, 40-28 victory over the Foothillers at home Fri., Sept. 12. It was Grossmont's (2-1) first loss of the season.

Cowell ticked off his highlights of the Viking win the week before over La Jolla Country Day: Dylan Haugum on the inside (line), Charlie Martin at linebacker, Joseph Crudo, who had an interception.

"We're still a work in progress," the former 22-year coordinator at Valley Center.

"Did you see Nico's (Bardaro) stat line?" Cowell asked. "17 tackles, three sacks, four TFL's (tackle for loss)."

Regarding Grossmont, I commented that the Hillers had been scoring a lot in their first two games--40 points each time.

Cowell: "They played Patrick Henry (La Jolla's victim in week 2) and Westview--who I think is 0-2." He wasn't totally discounting them. "They'll be a test for us. Their head coach was a record-breaking quarterback at USD, All-CIF at Grossmont. So he's coaching his alma mater."

Grossmont showed surprising fight, coming back from a 20-0 deficit, breaking into the scoring column at the end of the first quarter. Tyler Holmes, the Hillers' quarterback, started slowly, but then passed and ran for good numbers.

More than the numbers, he and his teammates showed heart, despite La Jolla's fast start and apparent intention to blow the visitors out with the three-touchdown lead.

The fourth quarter was a scary time. Grossmont scored to take the lead, 28-27, before the Vikings rallied back to score back-to-back TD's and finish 40-28.