After Brentwood absorbed a 23-13 loss to Rio Hondo Prep last Thursday Coach Patrick Brown said he hopes to use the game as a learning experience.
“That’s why we play teams of that caliber in non-league games, to learn what we have to work on,’ he said.”We may play someone of that caliber in our league or in the playoffs.”
Brentwood defeated Rio Hondo Prep a year ago on a last play field goal. Both teams went into the playoffs and Rio Hondo Prep emerged as the CIF Northeast Division champion.
This game wasn’t decided on the last play but it was another close contest between quality teams.
Brentwood had a 6-0 lead, fell behind 16-6, scored a touchdown and was within three points. But the kickoff following that touchdown was returned to the one-yard-line and Rio Hondo Prep then scored the clinching touchdown.
Brentwood improved its passing game, which produced only three completions in an opening win over St. Anthony, even though star receiver Greg Oliva is out for several weeks as he’ll have his tonsils removed.
“Greg Caruso had a better day,” said Brown of the quarterback who is replacing the talented Josh Amster, who graduated.
The game’s first touchdown came on a pass from Caruso to freshman Garrett Schwenky. Later Caruso completed a 40-yard pass to Evan Morris that set up Alex Kelln’s two-yard touchdown run,
Rio Hondo Prep’s second touchdown was set up by a screen pass that gained 70 yards.
“We saw that against a good team every play counts”, said Brown.
Brentwood will have its home opener Friday at 4 p.m. against St. Bernard. It will be the third and final non-league tune-up before Alpha League games begin.
