Coyotes dismantle Selma in opener
Wendy Alexander/The madera Tribune
Madera’s Logan Wattenbarger looks for more yardage during Friday’s victory over Selma. He scored two touchdowns in the 35-0 win.
Having its season opener pushed back a week, the Madera Coyotes football team was eager to get on the field and it showed in a 35-0 victory over the Selma Bears.
The Coyotes scored all 35 points in the first half and a running clock was instituted for the second half.
“Their coach asked for a running clock at the half,” head coach Kenny Paolinelli said. “That’s a first for me. It’s a testament to how we came out. We were loose at the beginning of the game and I was nervous. I was a little concerned, but they came out with their hair on fire. We were so loose because we were so confident in our preparation. The kids really executed the game plan. It was exciting to see them flying around.”
The Coyotes put themselves in prime position to score on the first play of the game. The Coyotes put the ball on the two yard line. Unfortunately that play was called back.
All it did was set up quarterback Beau Green for one of his four touchdowns in the win.
“He turned a broken play into a touchdown on second play of the game,” Paolinelli said. “He is a phenomenal athlete. I didn’t know he had that extra gear.”
On the next drive, on a run-pass option, Green found Logan Wattenbarger in the back of the end zone on a slant for a 14-0 lead.
Green found Wattenbarger, again, on an out route for another touchdown for a 21-0 first quarter lead.
On third-and-15, Jaden Gaeta caught a short pass from Green and ran the rest of the way into the end zone for a 64-yard touchdown.
Julian Hernandez closed the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run.
“We had a plethora of guys make plays,” Paolinelli said. “It was a balanced attack for us. Any time you put up a zero, it is a good day for the defense. Everyone got to play. That’s a thing we love. Those are valuable reps we can get early in the season.”
Now, the Coyotes turn their attention to their home opener against the Kerman Lions on Friday night. The game will also be telecast on CW-59 as part of their Friday Night Rivals.
“There’s always more excitement for the first home,” Paolinelli said. “We will be able to show off our talents at home. I expect these boys to be prepared and not be complacent. They are a hungry group and poised to have a great season. It’s one game at a time and we have a 1-0 mentality.”
