Eight was the magic number for Terra Nova as the Tigers stay undefeated for the season to go to 8-0 as they scored eight touchdowns in a 57-27 victory over Menlo-Atherton in Pacifica on Friday night. Menlo-Atherton scored first and trailed 28-21 at the half, but could not slow the Tigers down in the second half as the Bears drop to 5-3.
The Tigers scored a season high 57 points and broke the 50 point mark for the third time. The offense is stacked with playmakers led by junior quarterback Anthony Gordon, senior running back John Wallace, and senior wide receiver Domenic Ortisi. Terra Nova likes to run a spread offense that is up tempo that puts pressure on opposing defenses. On defense, the Tigers were physical and got after the opposing quarterback. Senior linebacker Nick Pierotti had several bruising hits and was an active tackler to lead the defense.
Next week, Terra Nova will face an identical 8-0 Sacred Heart Prep. Expect the Tigers to play a physical game on both sides of the ball in order to keep Sacred Heart Prep on its heels. The winner will most likely decide the regular season champion in the Peninsula Bay League.
Menlo-Atherton hung tough and battled back after giving 28 unanswered points to trail 28-7 before narrowing the deficit to 28-21 at the half. The offense was led by senior running back Isiah Nash who made several big runs while senior quarterback Brian Keare was versatile in both passing and scrambling. Senior Oliver Bucka deflected a few passes as a defensive end and also was a big target as a tight end.
Menlo-Atherton will face Menlo next week as both teams are battling for third place in the league. The Bears defense will have to tighten up as Menlo has scored over 40 points in seven of its eight games so far. Steve Hu
Oliver Bucka 6-foot-5, 225 pounds DE/TE Menlo-Atherton (2014): The senior was a big target going across the middle as a tight end and showed good hands catching the ball in traffic. With his height, Bucka also swatted a few passes and proved to be a good run stopper as well. At his height, Bucka is athletic enough that he could play at the college level.
Brian Keare 6-foot-2, 175 pounds QB Menlo-Atherton (2014): Keare played gritty as he was under pressure a lot. He was able to scramble out of trouble several times while making accurate passes. The senior threw for two touchdowns and rushed for one touchdown on the night.
Isiah Nash 6-foot-1, 195 pounds RB Menlo-Atherton (2014): Nash was a bruising running back with good size and adequate speed. His highlight play was an 81-yard catch and run that he eluded and outran the defense. He could project to be a fullback at the college level.
Domenic Ortisi, 6-foot-2, 180 pounds WR Terra Nova (2014): The senior wide receiver displayed good route running and sure hands as he was the favorite target for Gordon. Ortisi had one touchdown reception, but his impact was his ability to move the chains.
Nick Pierotti 6-foot-2, 215 pounds LB Terra Nova (2014): Pierotti quarterbacks the defense at the linebacker position for the Tigers. He had several big hits on defense and kick return coverage. The senior showed good instincts for tracking down the ball carrier on defense.
John Wallace, 6-foot-0, 195 pounds RB Terra Nova (2014): Wallace had three rushing touchdowns in the first half as he sat out the second half with a minor right leg injury. One of his touchdown runs was in the wildcat formation on fourth down that he took for 56 yards. Wallace has good strength and speed at the running back position.
Anthony Gordon 6-foot-2, 185 pounds QB Terra Nova (2015): Gordon ran the offense quite well and displayed a quick release, as he was able to make his reads. Gordon had three touchdown passes in the game. Only a junior, he could make a big leap if he can add size and strength, as he looked comfortable running the offense.
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