It was probably the biggest high school football game played in Santa Maria in the past several years. St. Joseph against Pioneer Valley - two heavyweights duking it out for Los Padres League supremacy.

When it was all said and done it was a 5-10, 160 pound running back who made the difference.

After being held to 29 yards on nine carries in the first half of a scoreless tie, St. Joseph's K.J. Cusack exploded in the third quarter. With touchdown runs of 68 and 99 yards, Cusack gave his Knights a 14-0 lead, on their way to a 21-13 victory.

Finishing the night with 236 yards on 19 carries, Cusack also added a four-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, helping St. Joseph to a 7-0 overall record and, more importantly, first place in the LPL.

For his efforts Cusack was named the male Athlete of the Week at the Northern Santa Barbara County Athletic Roundtable luncheon, held Monday at Giavanni's Pizza in Orcutt.

Ironically, the last time Cusack won the award, his classmate Danielle Gillaspy won the female award. Same thing this time after Gillaspy led her Knights to a victory in the weekly Los Padres League golf tournament.

At the Morro Bay Golf Club Thursday, Gillaspy tied Cabrillo's Morgan Salm for medalist honors, shooting a 36. She led her team to a five stroke team victory over first place Santa Ynez, to keep their hopes for a share of the league title alive.

Gillaspy was also the medalist last Monday in a dual match held at Rancho Maria Golf Course in Santa Maria with a 38 against Santa Maria.

Cabrillo

Freshman football coach Steve Haskins was once more sitting in for Athletic Director Bob Lawrence.

"He couldn't make it today, he has a chipped tooth and had to go to the dentist," Haskins explained.

He introduced Phoebe Huggins and Jessica Rucinski from the volleyball team.

Haskins explained that the team is 4-4 in league and 7-2 on the road.

"They like to play away games better than they do at home."

Football coach Craig Knowles presented defensive tackle and offensive guard Andrew Chavoya and Pat Cook, who has played both middle linebacker and safety.

"They have been the defensive stars for us on the field," Knowles said.

Cabrillo hosts Templeton on Friday at Huyck Stadium. It will be military appreciation night as the Conquistadores will raise money for care packages to send to soldiers overseas.

Lompoc

Assistant football coach Chris Adams had one player present at the luncheon Lavon Haynes.

"He played really well," Adams said about Haynes. "He had a 60 yard reception and intercepted a pass on defense."

Pioneer Valley

Athletic director Rhett Carter presented Ashley Spencer from the volleyball team.

Football coach Greg Dickinson was happy about the outpouring of support on Friday for his team, but was not happy with the outcome.

"We had a big buildup to that game and I hope we didn't disappoint the community," Dickinson said.

Righetti

Assistant volleyball coach Doug Dickson spoke for the absent Diana Strasbaugh and presented two senior leaders from the team, Shelbee McGready and Natalie Baldwin.

Golf coach Tracy Davis talked with pride about her team's successful season, in which the Warriors are undefeated in duals and have won all but one tournament.

Davis introduced Dani O'Keefe, who medaled in the last PAC-7 tournament Thursday, Mareon Smit and Hailey Davis.

Football coach Gary Wilson is extremely happy with his team's beginning in league play, defeating Atascadero and Paso Robles.

Wilson presented corner back Tony Velasco, who had seven tackles, offensive tackle Steven Swenk and corner back Uso Taua.

Righetti will host San Luis Obispo Friday and the game will be the video webcast game of the week at santamariatimes.com. The pre-game begins at 7 p.m.

St. Joseph

Assistant Athletic Director Debbie Wegemer presented both volleyball and golf.

In volleyball, senior middle blocker Analise Riezebos is the kill and block leader while freshman lobero Shannon Swaim leads the team in digs.

Along with Gillaspy for the golf team were three junior varsity members Allie Leachman, Rose Littlefair and Anna Mudge.

Assistant football coach Dan Cusack complimented Pioneer Valley for a great game and talked about how exciting is was to have an overflow crowd at Friday's game.

"It was a fantastic football game and they brought an electric atmosphere over to St. Joe's," Cusack said.

He introduced middle linebacker Jordan Puhek and safety/special teams specialist Jason Eckenrode. From the offense Cusack had Nolan Adlesh along with K.J. Cusack.

Santa Maria

Football coach Mike Regan presented four of his team leaders Mershad Dillon, Jesse Estrada, Terrell Dillon and Chris Valdez.

Hancock

"What a great football game that was," football coach Kris Dutra said about the St. Joseph-Pioneer Valley game. "I was impressed. It was a lot of fun to watch."

Dutra introduced Joshua Morris, a sophomore defensive back who had three interceptions in the win over Moorpark Saturday. Morris returned one for a touchdown. That's the second time this season Morris has returned an interception for a score.

The Hancock vs. Glendale game this Saturday will be webcast on santamariatimes.com beginning at 5:45 p.m.

October 27, 2009