East County Sports

Cougars work through holiday to avoid early vacation

Steele Canyon postgame following the Cougars' 39-35 road playoff win over Grossmont,

Posted by East County Sports.com on Saturday, November 21, 2015

2015 FEARLESS FORECASTER
SDCIF Playoffs – Semifinals

 

By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
 

(7) STEELE CANYON (7-4) at (3) EL CAMINO (6-5) – Steele Canyon’s preparation for Friday’s (Nov. 27) San Diego Section Division I semifinal bout in North County has taken on some unique twists.

 

Cougars coach SCOTT LONGERBONE has logged plenty of mileage getting to and from practice this week. That’s because he has crossed the International Border twice daily to spend a week with his family in their Rosarito Beach vacation home.

 

“I’ve been doing this for 20 years,” he said. “It’s always a great feeling to be practicing on Thanksgiving Day,” said Longerbone, whose Cougars will be working out on Thursday morning of the holiday.

 

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Steele Canyon’s Sean Todd (8) celebrates with teammate Joey Metz during the Cougars’ first round win over Vista. / EastCountySports.com photo

“Our kids are all fired up about practicing on the holiday,” he added. “I’ve gotten texts, emails and voice mails from alumni who want to attend our practice. That’s pretty exciting.”

 

Steele Canyon’s family-like atmosphere paid off when Longerbone took his defensive players out for carne asada burritos following MIKEL OLIVER’s game-winning block against Grossmont a week ago.

 

In addition to the Cougars’ huddle of love, team parents will serve up a Friday morning breakfast on the football field on the day of the duel with El Camino.

 

Versatile PIERRE ALEXANDER is the main cog in the Steele Canyon offense with 766 yards and 13 TDs on 125 carries. He’s also grabbed 23 receptions for 263 yards and 3 touchdowns.

 

Sophomore quarterback THOMAS FISHBURNE has come on strong in Cougars’ aerial game with 94 completions in 211 attempts for 1419 yards and 9 touchdowns.

 

Oliver is the kingpin of the Cougars’ defense with 41 tackles, 4 sacks, a blocked punt and an interception.

 

This is a classic matchup and the nod goes to . . . Steele Canyon 27-22.

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