Just like their namesake, the Redwood Giants were big, tall and strong. On their home turf, Redwood surprised Novato with two first quarter TD passes from Ryan Russell to Joe Klemme and Jake Anderson, and were leading 14-6 to the start of the second quarter.
According to Coach Brackett, “we made some adjustments.” And the Hornet offense kicked into high gear, compiling 275 yards running and 240 yards passing. The result? 47 unanswered points to topple the giant Redwood. But it was the Novato Black Swarm defense that was equally impressive, holding MCAL standout rusher (Klemme) to 2 yards on 4 carries. This, after Klemme had accounted for 340+ yards rushing the week prior against TL. Then to add injury to insult, the Hornets’ penetrating defensive front four pummeled QB Russell laying him out with a punishing duo-crunch of JT Peleki and Carlos Navarrette.
Russell retired to the bench with a suspected concussion. He tried to return, but was ineffective and replaced by Robbie Chrisman who could only muster 28 yards passing and no scores against the swarming Novato defense. Jeff Stephens threw four TDs and 240 yards with tremendous play by the O-Line giving him ample time to throw, and opening huge holes for running backs Campas, DelPino, Mendez and Logan Edwards.
Tags: DelPino, jake davis, jeff stephens, Joe Klemme, josh greenwell, JT Peleki, kyle campas, Logan, logan edwards, Marin IJ, MCAL football, Novato High School, Novato Hornets, Redwood High School, Ryan Russell, travis brackett
