Rams Blitz Past Coast Union, 40-20

September 24, 2025

Photo by Emi Kanda-Gleeson ’27

On a picture-perfect Carpinteria day the Cate Rams hosted the Coast Union Broncos for a non-league contest. The Rams defense made their presence known early forcing a three and out on the first Coast possession. Cate was able to take advantage of the great field possession with quarterback Alek Kroehl hitting paydirt on the third play from scrimmage on a 10 yard keeper. Kicker Quincy Thorne converted the PAT for the 7-0 lead just 90 seconds into the game. The Ram defense held firm again with junior Nolan Montoya coming up with a huge tackle in the backfield forcing another Coast Union punt. The Rams quickly moved up the field finishing with Kroehl hitting Montoya with a deep strike in the back of the end zone. Montoya completed the acrobatic catch with a perfect toe touch to stay in bounds putting the Rams up 13-0. On the ensuing drive, senior Noah Casbarro made his presence felt. Tallying a pass break up followed by a tackle for loss, the Rams held steadfast once again forcing another Coast punt. Backup quarterback Sam Lambiotte entered the game and immediately made his presence known. Calling his own number on the first play of the dive, he quickly scampered 20 yards on an option play. After a holding penalty moved the Rams back into their own territory, Lambiotte connected with senior co-captain Chase Meyer for a 40 yard pass and catch. Casbarro finished the drive with a 5 yard touchdown run before Lambiotte converted the 2 point try putting the Rams up 21-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Rams and Broncos traded possessions throughout the second quarter before a bad snap on a field goal attempt gave some momentum to Coast. The Broncos were able to capitalize on the Ram miscue and drive the ball down to the Ram 10 yard line. Cornerback Josh Butler added to his career best pick six tally, ripping off yet another interception and score when he read a curl route perfectly, taking the ball 75 yards the other way to put the Rams up 28-0 going into half time.

Coming out of the break, Cate yielded some momentum on the opening drive with two bad snaps and a penalty, knocking them back to their own 5 yard line. Another bad snap resulted in a safety for the Broncos, making the score 28-2. The Rams quickly regrouped when senior Barron Crayton forced a fumble with freshman Ashton Knecht recovering to give Cate a 1st and 10 from the Bronco 17. Three plays later, Sam Lambiotte evaded the pass rush and found a streaking Tres Davidson over the middle of the field for a 6 yard score and a 34-2 lead that would hold through the third quarter.

Coast Union scored on a reverse to start the fourth quarter to narrow the Cate lead. The Ram second unit struggled to move the ball, setting up Coast with good field position which led to another Bronco score just two minutes later to cut the lead to 32-14. After a quick three and out for the Rams, Coast Union struck again on a 75 yard touchdown pass when quarterback Tony De Alba hit Mark Medina in stride to make the score 32-20.

With momentum starting to shift, Cate turned to their other backup quarterback Ashton Knecht to turn the tide. Knecht, a 6’4 220 pound freshman immediately energized the crowd when he rumbled 15 yards on a keeper on the outside. Keeping the ball in his hands, Knecht had runs of 9 and 11 yards to continue the drive. After taking a sack, Knecht finished off the drive with a 26 yards strike to Lambiotte, putting the Rams up 40-20 to close out the game.

The win was the first of the season for Cate and the first ever at their new home, Meldman Field. Following the win, Head Coach Ben Soto commended the poise of the seniors, who helped keep the momentum after jumping out to a quick lead. “I was proud of the second group for stepping up and finishing the game strong. While we are not where we need to be just yet, I am pleased with the growth between our first and our second game.” The Rams (1-1) travel to Santa Maria next Saturday for a 1pm game against Orcutt Academy at Righetti High School.

Coast 0 0 2 18 20

Cate 21 7 6 6 40