Marinscope
The Mustangs didn’t wait for it to get dark to turn out the lights against visiting Terra Linda in San Marin’s 48-8 victory Saturday night.
Football’s return last month ended a year of uncertainty and anxiety surrounding high school sports after competition was sidelined for the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a dramatic show of community support, two sides reached a deal to let San Marin play a night game during this shortened season.
In a letter from the NUSD issued last week officials wrote, “In a demonstration of good will, mutual respect and trust building, the Novato Unified School District and the Coalition to Save San Marin are excited to announce a one-time use of the lights at the San Marin High School stadium while NUSD and CSSM continue to negotiate a settlement agreement, in the spirit of mutual benefit regarding the ongoing use of the San Marin Stadium lights.”
The NUSD and CSSM have been divided on use of the new field lights at the San Marin High School football stadium, which were first used Oct. 12, 2019. CSSM has been fighting the regular use of the lighting and sound system for night games due to concern that it will negatively impact the neighborhood by disturbing people and animals.
“This is a great milestone in our relationship with the Coalition to Save San Marin. It is a sign of building good faith, good will, and trust between us. Further, it demonstrates both parties’ tremendous commitment to a negotiated settlement,” commented Superintendent Kris Cosca. “I thank the Coalition for their consideration of the San Marin students and their willingness to participate in negotiations and to give us the opportunity to celebrate our students and once again test the lighting and sound systems.”
Coalition to Save San Marin Chair, Mike Joly states, “CSSM and NUSD are committed to an ongoing settlement process based on mutual community benefit, respect and trust. As neighbors, CSSM recognizes and empathizes with the sacrifices San Marin students and parents – particularly the Class of 2021 – have endured this past year during the COVID pandemic.”
“As a gesture of support to the students and San Marin High School, CSSM wishes them safe nighttime use of the stadium for their final home football game of the season on April 10, 2021. Although work remains to be completed before any definitive settlement agreement is reached, much progress has been made,” added Mr. Joly.
Both parties recognize the sacrifices San Marin students and particularly the Class of 2021 have endured this past year during COVID. High school students transitioned to remote learning last year on March 16, 2020 and have been doing remote learning for nearly one year. Students returned to campus in March. Sports, and specifically football, have been on hold and are just now getting back to action in shortened seasons.
San Marin (3-1) scored three times in the first quarter Saturday against Terra Linda and led 35-0 by halftime. Terra Linda (2-2) avoided the shutout with a fourth-quarter touchdown.
The Mustangs, who are riding a three-game winning streak, are scheduled to play Tamalpais (2-2) in Mill Valley on Saturday, April 17.
In other football action around the county:
• Redwood swept past HS 1327 unfettered in a 59-0 victory. The victory leads the way for a dramatic showdown between the Giants (3-1) and undefeated Marin Catholic (4-0) on Saturday afternoon.
• Marin Catholic stopped Central Catholic, 45-10, showing the Wildcats didn’t lose a step during the pandemic year.
• Tamalpais held down San Rafael in a 50-0 victory over the weekend. The Bulldogs (1-3) are scheduled to host Novato (1-2) on Friday night.
See more pictures here.
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