Alemany Impresses Kennedy, Not Coach : Despite Team’s Unbeaten Record, Lopez Calls Offense an ‘Embarrassment’ in 28-0 Win

You’d never know it by the final score, but Alemany High Coach Rick Lopez was not impressed after Saturday night’s nonleague game at Kennedy.

Unimpressed? More like depressed . In fact, Lopez actually seemed angry, even though Alemany ran away with a 28-0 win and defeated its second City Section 4-A opponent in as many weeks.

“The offense played like schoolgirls,” Lopez said as he barked orders at his team after the final gun. “It was an embarrassment to the whole program.”

The Indians, ranked No. 5 in The Times Valley poll, still made it look relatively easy, hardly working up a sweat, even on a hot and muggy night. Although it wasn’t especially pretty, one would think the win should have been cause for high-fives and schoolwide celebration--Alemany defeated Granada Hills, another highly regarded City team, 17-14, last week.

“It’s back to the drawing board,” Lopez said. “This just doesn’t get it.”

Kennedy (1-1) also turned the ball over twice. Kennedy quarterback Gino Tagliaferri completed just 2 of 9 attempts for 1 yard. Backup quarterback Tony Smets was 2 of 5 for 20 yards. Kennedy managed just one first down in the second half and had only 94 total yards in the game.

“I guess they’re the No. 1 team in all the hills,” Francola said. Kennedy is located in Granada Hills. Alemany is in Mission Hills.

Other than the final score, Lopez wasn’t happy with his team’s performance.

“I thought we should have been four of five touchdowns better,” Lopez said. “This is the worst we have played this year.”

The Alemany defense, however, looked plenty tough, making up for four turnovers by the offense.

Alemany (3-0-1) led, 21-0, at the half, despite two fumbles by running back Chris Lobos inside the 10-yard line.

Senior quarterback Roy Talavera put the Indians on the scoreboard with a two-yard pass to tight end Vince Ferry, capping a 10-play, 59-yard drive.

Alemany scored again on its next possession. After he gave the Indians good field position by returning a Kennedy punt 26 yards to the 24, Talavera hit receiver Ronnie Morgan with a 23-yard pass to the Kennedy two.

Fullback Ray Campuzano scored on the next play to give Alemany a 14-0 lead.

Rosselli was 4 of 9 for 127 yards and a touchdown. Talavera was 6 of 8 for 104 yards and a touchdown. Campuzano finished with 67 yards on 18 carries and 2 touchdowns.