The St. Francis varsity football lost their opening game of the season 27-25 at Greenfield last Friday night. The Sharks mounted a comeback that fell short as the final 2 point conversion attempt was stopped with 3.4 seconds to go in the game after an Ivo Lasich touchdown brought the Sharks within two points.
Lasich had a standout performance as he scored 4 touchdowns on the night. His first was on a 90 yard kick return in the first quarter. Right before halftime the Sharks were down 20-6 and then Lasich carried the ball around the left end for 6 and cut the lead to a one possession game. Greenfield scored in the 3rd quarter to go ahead 27-12 and then the comeback was mounted starting with an interception by senior Cornerback Will Salady. Fullback Andrew Ciandro, Running Back Richie Martinez and Wingback Ivo Lasich took the bulk of the carries that had Lasich scoring to cut the lead to 27-19 with 4 minutes to play. Greenfield was then stopped as Brandon Moakler made a tackle for loss on a 4th down that could have sealed the game, instead the Sharks got the ball back with time to score. The drive hit a critical 3rd and 13 where freshmen QB Aaron Soto threw a completion to Tight End Ruben Ibarra over the middle that created a 4th and 1 where Ciandro converted the first down to keep the drive alive. A few plays later Lasich carried the ball over the goal line with only 3.4 seconds remaining to cut the lead to 27-25. It was then the Sharks were stopped short of the Goalline and the induing onside kick was recovered by Greenfield.
The Sharks new look ground game was led by Lasich as he ran for 144 yards on 12 carries. Ciandro ran for 82 yards on 19 carries, Martinez ran for 76 yards on 16 carries and Carson Cuzick ran for 22 yards on 4 carries.
The Frosh/Soph Sharks won 36-24 as Derric Estrada-Haro, Andrew Seymour and James Young all ran for touchdowns. The Sharks return to action on Friday September 11th vs. Marina where the games will be played at Monterey Peninsula College. Frosh/Soph at 5 pm followed by varsity at 7:30 pm. See you all there and go Sharks!