| | Published October 1st, 2008
| Coupin Strikes Early to Lead Matadors to 34-12 Victory
| | By Toby Wendtland |  | | John Vaccaro (12) taking off while Robert Mendoza (1) and John Coupin (32) clear the way Photo Doug Kohen
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The Miramonte Matadors' (3-0) talented backfield just got a little more imposing. After being paced in their two previous victories by senior running back Robert Mendoza, September 19th belonged to sophomore fullback John Coupin, who scored two touchdowns in the opening four minutes on runs of 32 and 4 yards.
While the game plan against the Skyline Titans (0-2) was not to feature Coupin extensively, Miramonte Coach John Wade said, "We thought we'd give him the ball a little more this week."
The results were 101 yards on only 13 carries with the two touchdowns for Coupin.
After taking the two touchdown advantage, the Matadors nearly gave the lead back. The Titans returned the next kickoff for a touchdown, and after a 42 yard Matt Lloyd field goal, the Titans returned the ensuing kickoff to the Matadors' 28 yard line and were able to drive the ball into the end zone. A blocked point after touchdown and failed two point conversion by Skyline gave the Matadors a 17-12 lead at the end of the first quarter. Then Miramonte's defense took over.
The Matadors were able to shut out the Titans for the rest of the game. Coach Wade said, "We really did a great job defending, considering it's only the third game. We're young at defense, but we're maturing quickly."
Junior defensive back Jimmy Miller led the team with six tackles, while senior linebacker Andrew Rivin added two sacks.
The Matadors' offense was kept off the scoreboard until, with 17 seconds left in the first half, quarterback John Vaccaro (6-8 for 109 yards and one TD) connected with junior wide receiver James King for a 41 yard touchdown strike to make it 24-12 at the half. King finished with five catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns.
A 23 yard field goal by Lloyd late in the third quarter stretched the lead to 27-12, and King's second touchdown catch with 5:25 left in the game rounded out the scoring for the undefeated Matadors.
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 | | John Coupin (32), Eric Severson (55) and John Vaccaro (12) Photo Doug Kohen
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA