A week after winning its season opener against El Camino, Carlmont picked up where it left off by defeating Woodside, running its way to a 34-20 victory.
The Scots (2-0) were led by running backs George Hanna, who ran 15 times for 132 yards and a touchdown, and Luke Nessel, who ran 17 times for 126 yards and a touchdown.
Things got off to a slow start for the Wildcats (1-1), who punted the ball away after a three-and-out on their first possession. The Scots immediately marched down the field with two quick first-down passes before senior Sean McKenna scored on a 20-yard rushing touchdown to make the score 7-0.
Things didn't get much better for the Wildcats on their ensuing drive, as Carlmont's defense brought the pressure and forced another three-and-out. However, Scots returner Jaquari Hughes lost control of the ball on the punt, and the Wildcats' special teams pounced on the ball, setting the offense up with the ball on Carlmont's 41-yard line.
The Wildcats capitalized on the excellent field positioning, driving down the field, and scoring on an 11-yard touchdown reception by Kyle Knudson. The Wildcats were unable to punch in the two-point conversion, leaving the score at 7-6 in the Scots' advantage.
As the second quarter began, Woodside stopped the Scots, but returner Marco Parodi botched the punt, which Will Hesselgren recovered for the Scots.
This time, it was the Scots' turn to capitalize on the Wildcats' error. Starting deep in Woodside territory, Carlmont went 28 yards in five plays, scoring on a four-yard rushing touchdown by Nessel. The point-after was successful, putting the Scots up 14-6.
The Wildcats once again went three-and-out, punting back to Carlmont, who began pushing into Woodside territory before the Wildcats recovered a botched snap. However, they weren't able to do anything as two consecutive dropped passes forced the Wildcats to punt right back to the Scots.
Carlmont wouldn't be denied this time, driving 70 yards down the field and scoring when Hesselgren caught a pass and scored a touchdown from 29 yards out. The PAT was no good, putting the score at 20-6 with just over a minute and a half left in the second.
The Scots punted their first drive coming out of the half but quickly got the ball back when the Wildcats fumbled yet again a few plays later.
"Overall, we need better execution and limiting penalties. We had some plays that stole our momentum, where we put ourselves in a bad position when we had something going" said Woodside coach Justin Andrews. "We need to limit our mistakes and make sure we aren't playing against two opponents."
Carlmont took advantage of the early third-quarter turnover, as Nessel ran into the red zone on the first play of the ensuing drive. On fourth down, the Scots would not only get the first but also score after a Wildcat defender tipped a pass right into the hands of Hesselgren for a nine-yard touchdown. The PAT was good, and Carlmont went up 27-6.
"We were in the right spots, and Coach Von Almen does a great job on defense. I take pride in running our scout offense for our defense and giving them a good look in preparation," said Carlmont coach Eric Rado. "Our seniors also played very hard, and I'm proud of them."
Carlmont continued to pound the Wildcats on the ground when it got the ball back, traveling 67 yards and scoring on a three-yard rushing touchdown by Hanna, going up 34-6 after the PAT.
"I think we were well prepared; during the offseason, we took every opportunity we could to get better, faster, and stronger so when we had the time to work on our run plays and sequences, we could execute it the best we could," Hanna said. "I think the culmination of strength, athleticism, and our drive to win led to our run game being excellent."
Woodside cut into the final margin with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Zach Scher and, following a successful onside kick, a two-yard scoring run by Ben Giovannetti.
"I was proud of the way we were able to respond and that we never quit, but I wish we didn't put ourselves in the hole that we did, but a lot of that was based on what Carlmont was able to do," Andrews said. "We have a lot to clean up on our end."
When these two teams last faced off, Carlmont blew the Wildcats out 61-16. While this game was much closer, the Scots still picked up a solid victory.
"We focus on one rep at a time, it's a year-round program, and the kids see the fruits of their labor," Rado concluded.
Carlmont will stay on the road against South San Francisco (0-1) while the Wildcats prepare to play Sequoia (1-1) at home.
