Prep football: Redwood shows off defense, but falls to powerful Rancho Cotate

Redwood High took a step up in class to challenge host Rancho Cotate on Friday, but struggled to move the ball in a 24-6 loss to the Cougars during a defensive showdown.

Rancho Cotate plays in the Redwood Empire’s Adobe League, along with the juggernauts of the former MCAL: San Marin and Marin Catholic. Redwood (1-1) and rival Tamalpais joined the Redwood Empire’s Valley League.

The Cougars (2-0) broke through on their second drive of the game for a 7-0 lead. Redwood drove the ball the other way, looking for the big play, to get on the board. A bad snap on the point after and a desperate failed pass left the Giants trailing, 7-6 at the end of the first quarter.

Redwood’s defense stood tall with an aggressive effort that knocked Rancho Cotate out of its rhythm in the first half.

The Cougars found some momentum when they scored on a pick six early in the second period, then tacked on another touchdown with less than a minute before the break for a 21-6 lead.

The Giants, who opened the season with a 21-14 win over San Leandro, are scheduled to host Maria Carrillo on Sept. 14 for an afternoon game.

St. Ignatius 35, Tam 6

Tam broke up the shutout in the third quarter when Gus Beyer found Timo Ural for a 66-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion effort failed.

The Red-tailed Hawks (0-2) continue their search for the season’s first win when they host Las Lomas on Sept. 14.

Stuart Hall 72, Tomales 8

The Braves (0-2) were overpowered for the second week in a row and now turn their attention to non-league foe Crystal Springs Uplands for next week’s matchup.