The Piedmont High School boys football team opened its season with a 28-7 loss to Napa on Aug. 28 at Witter Field, falling behind early before eventually finding the end zone in the second half.
Starting quarterback Jonah Cha-Foster said the loss was an opportunity for growth and to learn more about the team. Cha-Foster completed 6 of 11 passes for 50 yards and added three carries for five yards in his first varsity game.
“There are things I can improve,” Cha-Foster said. “I hold myself to a higher standard than that game.”
Napa took control early, scoring 14 points in the first quarter before adding another touchdown in the second to take a 21-0 lead going into halftime. Abram Alvarez broke loose on a 60-yard touchdown run for the Grizzlies in the first quarter. Eryck Gualberto ran for two touchdowns. Napa rushed for 328 yards on the night and didn’t complete a pass in two attempts.
The Grizzlies’ size and experience created problems for the Highlanders, who entered the season with a young roster following the graduation of a large senior class last season.
“We’re young,” coach Jordan Seiden said. “We played an experienced team, a big team. They just out-physicaled us.”
Piedmont continued to fight after halftime, eventually putting together a scoring drive that ended with running back Colby Hong carrying the ball one yard for the Highlanders only touchdown of the night. The Highlanders also had 39 rushing yards on seven carries from running back Rehan Mumtaz.
Despite the early scores from the Grizzlies, Piedmont continued to compete throughout the second half, which Seiden said was one of the positives he took away from the game.
“I liked that we didn’t quit,” Seiden said. “We kept playing all four quarters despite the score.”
The Highlanders had opportunities to make the game closer but struggled to finish offensive drives, including multiple red zone possessions without a score.
“That’s the most important thing,” Seiden said. “Working on finishing drives.”
Cha-Foster also said the Highlanders need to work on execution on both sides of the ball moving forward.
“I think we moved the ball fine,” Cha-Foster said. “We need to play better defensively.”
The focus for Piedmont now shifts to overall team development. With a young roster already facing an experienced team, Seiden said the goal is to continue improving rather than dwelling on a result.
“I just want us to continue to grow and get better and develop,” Seiden said.
Piedmont will host Saint Mary’s on Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.