A strong second half sent San Marcos’ football team to a season-opening victory on Friday night as the Royals scored a 35-14 decision over Cabrillo in Lompoc.
The game was tied 14-14 at halftime but the Royals stepped up in the final two quarters. highlighted by a 22-yard touchdown pass from Wes Gibson to Esteban Alfaro.
The defensive effort, which held Cabrillo scoreless in the second half, featured an interception return for a touchdown by Cameron Whitney. That followed a one-yard touchdown run by Alfaro that was set up by a blocked punt by junior Joe Estrada.
“We got off to a great start,” reported Royals head coach Anthony Linebaugh.
A year after winning just one game, San Marcos was the only Channel League team to win its season opener on Friday.
“This was a big step forward for our program,” said the second-year head coach.
San Marcos (1-0) will travel to Rio Mesa next Friday before hosting Beverly Hills the following week for the Royals’ home opener.
