Winning eludes Healdsburg team despite standout players
“Everybody up for the kickoff!” sounded over the stands at Art McCaffrey Park at 7pm last Friday, as it will only twice more this season. Looking at the team’s 0-5 record, one might think the games are one-sided. But for the most part they are solid, well-played games of high school football on a grass field, both teams giving it up for their school. That makes every game this season a good one.
The game against Novato on Oct. 3 was another good one, and it wasn’t until late that the winner became clear. In fact the Greyhounds scored first, after holding the Hornets on fourth and 10. Only a couple of plays later Max Morris pulled in a Frank Rea pass inside the 5-yard line, and took it in for a score and the 6-0 lead.
It didn’t take long for the pattern of the game to establish itself. Novato marched downfield to score, but like Healdsburg they missed the extra point. Novato soon built up a 20-6 lead but the dogged Greyhounds got back in the game, 20-20 at the half.
It could have been different. Junior Rea, a double threat with a strong and accurate passing arm, and quick and fleet feet, twice made long touchdown runs (once on a kick return, once from scrimmage) that were called back by holding penalties.
Healdsburg took the lead again after the half on a pass to Hayden Mariani, but the 26-20 lead did not last long. The Hornets struck again and again, outlasting the Greyhounds to win, 36-32.
“As far as securing a win, we just really need to maintain focus and take care of the little things,” said coach Taylor Tappin. “Most of our games have been lost because we lose focus on defense or special teams, and give up too many big plays. If we can lock in and do our jobs, then we should be able to play with anyone in our league.”
They’ll have three more chances to prove it, starting with Friday’s game against Piner. The Prospectors bring their win-less 0-5 record to Healdsburg, putting it on the line against the Greyhounds’ 0-6. It should be fun.
Following the Piner game, the Greyhounds head to Marin County again to play Terra Linda, like Piner so far without a win this season. The elements are in place for a winning streak.
