Video by Summer Yovanno

On Friday August 25, the VHS cougars played their first football game against the Thousand Oak Lancers. The cougars came out on top, winning 42-14 to kick off the season.

Gallery • 14 Photos

Pre-game coin flip

The cougars played a very strong game with over 600 yards on offense. Senior Kyle Gerardi went 18 for 31 with 308 passing yards, with most of the other yards coming from seniors Chuck Wick and Joey Thompson. Wick had 18 touches, rushing for 152 yards and two touchdowns, and Thompson caught seven passes for a total of 184 yards.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Cougars line up for the first play of a 5 play series to make the score 35-7

On the other side of the ball, junior Gavin Blanks had a 53 yard kickoff return but due to penalties it was brought back. The cougars were undisciplined last night, drawing 15 penalties for a total of 156 yards.

After the strong game Gerardi commented, “We played our butts off but being undisciplined and the jitters hurt us. Although we put up good numbers there’s always something to work on!”

Wick-another star from the game- comments that, “It was a fun night playing with all my teammates and we’re just looking forward to the next game.”

The next game for the cougars is on Friday, September 1 at Atascadero High School. Their next home game however is Friday September 8 against Rio Mesa. Both Atascadero and Rio Mesa have won their first games of the season, so make sure to come and show support for your VHS cougars!