Stevenson-Menlo football

Saturday's game
Stevenson (0-0) at Menlo (0-1), 1 p.m.
 Runner-ups in the Central Coast Section Division V finals last year, the Knights are coming off an 11-2 season, which included a postseason win over Seaside in the semifinals.
 Menlo did fall 16-9 in its opener last week to East Nicolaus, who was 13-1 last year, succumbing in the state divisional championships to McClymonds of Oakland.
 Graduation did strip the Knights of a 2,000 yard quarterback, two 50 plus reception receivers and a 1,700 yard tailback.
 Yet, the defense retains Baily Deeter and his 120 tackles and eight sacks. The linebacker opened the season with seven tackles last week.
 Menlo quarterback Emilio Simbeck has yet to throw an interception in 64 career attempts, throwing for 138 yards and a touchdown last week.
 Coming off its first postseason appearance in 16 years last fall, Stevenson has had an overhaul from top to bottom with new coach Kyle Cassamas changing schemes.
 Junior quarterback Alex Murray was sharp in limited duty last fall, throwing for 278 yards and two touchdowns. But this is a team learning on the fly.
 The Pirates have won five straight season openers.