Granada 54, Kennedy-Fremont 6: No season-opening jitters for the Matadors, who manhandled visiting Kennedy of Fremont. Bullish senior Fred Schoennagel rushed for 106 yards on 14 carries and scored the Matadors' first two touchdowns.
Granada amassed 328 net yards rushing, and senior quarterback Daniel Van Galder was 5-for-10 with an interception and a 25-yard touchdown pass to junior Garrett Matthews.
The outmanned Titans, coming off a season-opening win over Balboa a week ago, had trouble moving the ball throughout a rough first half. The Mats were too physical all around for the Titans.
When Kennedy punted, the Titans were haunted by Granada sophomore speedster George Atkinson, who had some breathtaking returns, including a 39-yarder in the third quarter that set up a 21-yard touchdown run by Matthews. Atkinson had an 89-yard TD punt return negated by an illegal blocking penalty in the first quarter.
"He's just a special kid," Silva said of Atkinson. "It's exciting."
Granada junior Kyle Kearney stormed in and blocked a punt by Keith Culpepper with 1:39 left in the first half, setting up a 13-yard TD run by Elias Pico.
MATT SCHWABB, TRI-VALLEY HERALD
