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Published on 09/14/1998 All articles from this issue

Homestead still getting a handle on its new offense

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By Pete Borello / Town Crier Staff Writer

Homestead High football coach Richard Delgado says it's only a matter of time before his team puts some zing into the double wing.

But so far, the Mustangs' new run-oriented offense has been stuck in low gear.

After getting shutout 35-0 at Aragon in the Sept. 11 season opener, Homestead was overwhelmed by Overfelt 34-14 last Friday night at Fremont High.

Yet Delgado sees some encouraging signs.

"We're kind of feeling our way," said the second-year coach, "but every week we're getting better."

The numbers seem to support his claim. The Mustangs only mustered 150 yards in the opener and failed to reach the end zone. Last week they gained 189 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns.

However, that wasn't nearly enough to keep up with high-powered Overfelt (2-0).

"They're an excellent team," Delgado said. "We tried to keep their offense off the field, but they were too much for us."

The Royals scored on their first three possessions, building a 21-0 lead with eight minutes remaining in the half. Quarterback Gilbert Moisa dissected the Homestead secondary by throwing for two touchdowns and halfback Larry Morris ran for the other.

Homestead, which gained nine yards in the opening quarter, put together its first scoring drive of the season just before halftime. The Mustangs only had to go 25 yards - thanks to a nice punt return by Trumaine Green and a 15-yard personal foul on Overfelt - but a score is a score.

Fullback Ali Beheshti got things rolling by turning a Matt Root screen pass into a 10-yard gain. Four plays later, Root threw his first-ever varsity touchdown - and it wasn't an easy one. The sophomore from Los Altos rolled right, avoided a would-be tackler and fired a 9-yard pass to tight end Paul Popoulias in the back of the end zone.

But the extra point failed, as a low snap threw off kicker Neal Mudgett of Los Altos.

The Royals opened the second half with another score from Morris, who was barely touched on a 17-yard sprint through the heart of the Homestead defense.

But the Mustangs answered back in a hurry, going 77 yards on four plays.

It all started with Los Altos resident Casler Johnston breaking loose for a 47-yard run up the middle. The drive ended on a 29-yard scamper by Jesse Nichols, who snuck into the left corner of the end zone. Jason Carl then plowed across the goal line for two-points, pulling Homestead within 28-14.

Overfelt put the game away late in the third quarter on Moisa's 26-yard scoring pass to an open Tim Luster.

The Homestead defense surrendered 377 yards in all, with a good chunk of that coming through the air.

"We'll be working a lot on pass defense this week," Delgado said.