"ugly" win looks just fine in the standings

What Falcon coach Louie Walters called an "ugly" win against Leland did give the team plenty to work on this week, but it's easy to overlook that this triumph was recorded against a school twice Scotts Valley's size that's historically very successful in an extremely tough league over the hill.

The play-calling in the first half seemed devoted almost exclusively to wide runs and passes in the flat that didn't get much traction. The second half adjustments worked like a charm, however, as the Falcons ran more traps through the line and let quarterback Blake Jurich look deeper downfield. It's interesting, too, that the Falcons' big drive of the third quarter featured so many performers -- there were big gains by Estrada, Pollok, Hardwick, Bright, Bariteau and Read before Hardwick put Scotts Valley on the board. The variety in play-calling and offensive weapons worked extremely well there.

Jurich turned in a nice day by going 6-for-12 with 75 yards and no picks despite being under constant pressure seemingly every time he faded back. The line really rose to the occassion, by giving him plenty of time on that big 3rd and nine pump-and-go that netted 38 yards to Joey Bright, however.

The Falcon defense turned in a great effort. The Charger quarterback could throw, but coverage was tight the whole game and the pressure on him was constant. The strength of Scotts Valley's secondary is going to be huge this year in stifling offenses with Trevin Dean, Brad Hartman, Bright and others leading the way. There were several highlight-reel hits by Tyler Moore that were something to watch, and that final sack Scotts Valley recorded that pushed Leland into a hopeless fourth down attempt in the final minutes was a perfect cap to the day.