The Stuart Hall Knights facing trials to prove they are worthy of moving up to 11-man football has been one of the highlights of the beginning of this school year. Looking promising in the scrimmage against George Washington High School and in the last two Friday games, the Knights have proven themselves worthy opponents despite the transition.
Stuart Hall vs. Upper Lake was a game to remember not only because it was the first official 11-man game in Stuart Hall history, but also because it was a shutout. Stuart Hall’s defense showed its elite skills in this matchup, scoring numerous sacks and takedowns of the quarterback, running back and pretty much anyone else who stood in their way. Senior Alex Cruz, No. 52, said, “It seems like it.” He believes this because “they didn’t let up any points and they are absolute units on the field.” The Stuart Hall offense also did well, putting up an impressive 26 points to Upper Lake’s 0.
A week later, Mission High vs. Stuart Hall was almost an equally important 11-man game since it was the first matchup the Hall had against another major San Francisco school. The Knights, similar to the previous game, started out with a bang, scoring 13 points within the first two minutes. There were amazing plays on both sides of the field, from the first punt with a recovered fumble by Christian Rodriguez and Trey Hughes. The Knights were playing so well, it made it simple to stop watching. “I kind of stopped watching after the first quarter because you guys just blew them away,” spectator Ivan Zeitz said. After the next two quarters were stalemates, the Knights needed a play to prove their lead was not a fluke. Quarterback Napoleon Cabading delivered just this, scrambling 30 yards to score the final touchdown of the game. In the end, the score was 33-0, Knights.
These first two games, with zero points scored by the opposing teams, show the promise of the Knights this season. Head coach and English teacher Gregory Mangan said, “This is going to be a good season, but if you work hard, this will be a season you remember for the rest of your life.”
Be sure to show up to the next home game vs. Ygnacio Valley for the last 11-man game of the year and to the 8-man homecoming football game vs. Priory, both at Kezar Stadium.