The Patterson Redskins varsity youth football team showed signs of hope and some major improvement despite a 24-0 loss to the visiting Weston Ranch Ravens on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Patterson Community Stadium.

“The players are really starting to apply themselves,” Patterson coach Bob McDonnell said. “There was a lot of improvement, and the defense really stepped up their efforts.”

McDonnell pointed to the solid defensive play of Andrew Anderson, who collected 16 solo tackles and a fumble recovery. Teammate Nando Ayalla added six tackles and four assists.

Offensively, Keith Gomer racked up 75 yards receiving.

“The players are developing some confidence,” McDonnell said. “They are really starting to pull together.”

Redskins junior varsity coach Eric Ochoa said his team played its best game of the season that day.

The JV Redskins fell at home against Weston Ranch, but the 42-0 outcome was not the focal point of the coach.

“Morally, we played our best football so far,” Ochoa said. “We really played good on both sides of the ball, especially in the first half.”

Ochoa recognized the play of Omar Urbina, Scott Campbell, Giovanni Cruz and Gabriel Ochoa.

“We’re starting to come together,” Ochoa said. “The players are tackling better and developing a better understanding of the game.”