The San Francisco 49ers Charlie Wedemeyer Coach of the Week award for Week 6 goes to Doug Morris from San Lorenzo Valley High School.
Last Friday the San Lorenzo Valley Cougars defeated the Aptos Mariners 54-34 in what was a clash of two Santa Cruz Coast heavyweights.
The Mariners came into the game on a four-game winning streak in which they outscored opponents 157-73. Over the same span, the Cougars were also undefeated, scoring 136 points to their opponents' 52. Though not traditionally high-flying offenses, you could tell that this year's meeting would be an exciting one.
"We knew we were in for a game," Morris said. "They are well coached form their side. Coach Blankenship has done a great job with that program."
From the opening kickoff it was apparent the game would be a back and forth sprint to the finish. At the end of the first quarter the score was tied at 20 apiece. The Cougar offense was led by senior quarterback Zack Newberry who threw for five touchdowns, two of which found Nick Gorman as part of his 208 receiving yards on the night.
Anytime a quarterback can have that sort of success, there has to be solid offensive line performance to make it happen. Tackles Ian Reavey and Ben Landauer did a good job holding off the outside rush, while center Cole Morris and gaurds Michael D'amato and Sebastian Tumbale controlled the interior.
At the final whistle the Cougars found themselves on top 54-34 in a game that was close until the San Lorenzo Valley was able to separate themselves midway through the fourth quarter.
"We rarely put up that many points," Morris said. "Normally we try to get all our players in the game when we get a lead, but Saturday we needed every point on the board."
"In fact," Morris added, "the last time we scored over 50 points was last year against Watsonville…and we lost!"
For San Lorenzo Valley's outstanding team effort, the San Francisco 49ers have selected Coach Doug Morris as the Charlie Wedemeyer High School Coach of the Week.
In addition to being named Coach of the Week, Coach Morris and the San Lorenzo Valley High School football program will receive $1,000 from the 49ers Foundation.
