Capo Valley celebrates opening win at Saddleback College, top players named

Capistrano Valley coaches with the Cougars during a timeout Friday night. (Photos courtesy Capo Valley football, Monica Acosta).

It was a successful first home game for Capo Valley’s football team which defeated Barstow 41-21 Friday night in a week zero game at Saddleback College.

The Cougars, coached by Sean Curtis, are playing at Saddleback this season while a new on-campus stadium is being built.

For best view, click on the first photo:

Capo Valley quarterback Talon Spencer throws some warm-up tosses.

Capo Valley fans packed the stands for the home opener.

Junior quarterback Talon Spencer led the way completing 14 of 20 passes for 241 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for 90 yards on seven carries.

In addition, Abel Gherasm had seven rushes for 57 yards, Zadyn Hall 10 for 47 yards and Bradley Ruhl three rushes for 33 yards and a TD.

Matt Paikoff had 21 yards on two carries for Capo Valley.

Top receivers were Colin Hooper, who had four carries for 114 yards and two touchdowns, Izaiah Bennett who had two catches for 48 yards, Finn Mealia who had one catch for nine yards, Jolan Gonzalez who had four catches for 46 yards and Brody Saavedra who had two receptions for seven yards.

Caden Epstein had one TD catch for nine yards.

Epstein was named the team’s overall player of the game. Spencer was named top offensive player, Brady Hassett top defensive player and Gherasim special teams player of the game.

Brody Saavedra, Jolan Gonzalez, Damon Epstein and Joseph Price received the iron man award.

Capo Valley hosts Campo Verde Friday at Saddleback College.

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