It took a couple of weeks, but the Coronado High School football team seems to be rounding into shape. After starting the season 0-2 and being outscored by their opponents 62-14, Coronado has bounced back nicely, picking up two constitutive wins. The most recent came this past Friday night, as they took down Escondido Charter by the final of 14-13.

On offense, Coronado quarterback Jaiden Sherman continued to create explosive plays, throwing for 140 yards and a touchdown in the win while racking up over 50 yards rushing.

With the Islanders down 7-0 late in the first quarter, Sherman would connect on a skinny post with Spencer Reidarson for a 25-yard TD pass that would tie the game at 7-7 heading to the half. Reidarson would be the go-to target for Sherman on the night, hauling in three catches for 60 yards in the win.

The biggest play on the night from Sherman and the Islanders’ offense would come in the early stages of the third quarter. On fourth down, Head Coach Kurt Hines would keep the offense on the field and would be rewarded. Sherman would go deep down the near sideline and hit Chase Jenkins in stride for a 34-yard pickup that set up a first and goal at the three. Just one play later, Coltyn Dickerson would pound it into the end zone for the touchdown for the three-yard score. That sequence of plays and eventual score would be the difference in Friday night’s win.

While the Islanders’ offense did have its flashes, it was ultimately the defense that was the reason for their victory. Coronado had a bend, but don’t break, defensive showing, allowing 346 yards of total offense, including 183 yards on the ground, but just 13 points.

Off the edge, Cable Fledderjohn was extremely disruptive yet again, recording two sacks, another tackle for loss, and three QB hurries on the night. Fledderjohn was not only the most consistent pass rusher on the night but also did a great job of containing the White Tigers read option in the red zone late in Friday night’s win.

Mason Wilson and Sean Geary would also do an excellent job along the interior of the defensive line. Michael Bannon would also do an excellent job of coming down from the secondary to provide support in the run game, as he registered six tackles on the night.

The Islanders’ defense would also be the group that would close out the game. With under two minutes to play and down by one, Escondido Charter had the ball on Coronado’s 42-yard line.

On fourth and sixth, the Islanders’ defense remained disciplined, forced, and on the run throw by the Tigers’ quarterback. The pass was batted away beautifully by Jackson Hosko, forcing a turnover on downs and allowing the Islanders to knee it out.

Coronado’s record is now 2-2, and it looks like a far different team than it did just weeks ago. Coronado will enjoy its bye week this weekend but will return to action on September 27 to take on Mar Vista High School.