The San Lorenzo Valley High football team will look for an opening-season win as the Cougars host Alisal High this weekend.

SLV comes into its opener a spirited bunch after a strong showing in last weekend’s Santa Cruz Coastal Athletic League jamboree.

“It was exciting — it was fun,” running back Kyle Todd said of the Saturday, Aug. 29, scrimmages. “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.”

The Cougars showed that they can play with anyone in the league, scoring 21 points and featuring a multifaceted running game with Todd as the bruising tailback and junior Nick Lipperd darting through holes for long gains.

Both Cougars quarterbacks, senior Trevor Romele and junior Zach Newberry, saw significant playing time during scrimmages against Scotts Valley and St. Francis.

On defense, the Cougars were dominant against St. Francis, recording multiple sacks and recovering a fumble.

The Cougars finished behind Scotts Valley, 29 points, and Harbor and Aptos, which scored 24 points each.

Alisal comes into the game looking to bounce back from a 4-6 season a year ago. However, they beat the Cougars 37-15 at home in last year’s opening-season contest.

SLV High School 2009 Varsity football schedule

Sept. 5: At home, Alisal 2 p.m.

Sept. 11: At Hayward, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18: At Andrew Hill, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26: At home, Watsonville, 2 p.m. (Homecoming)

Oct. 2: At home, St. Francis, 2 p.m.

Oct. 9: At Aptos, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 17: At home, Soquel, 2 p.m.

Oct. 24: At home, Scotts Valley, 2 p.m.

Oct. 31: At Santa Cruz, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 7: At Harbor, 7:30 p.m.