Despite being heavily outmanned, the Tomales High School Braves won their football season opener last week, trouncing the Anderson Valley Panthers 44-29. Tomales suited up just 14 players, while the Panthers fielded more than 20, according to Fred Schultz, the defensive coordinator for the Braves. Each side plays eight players on offense and eight on defense, so some of the Tomales players had to perform double duty. “They could field a complete offense and defense, but we couldn’t,” Mr. Schultz said. The Braves bolted to a 30-point halftime lead, but the momentum shifted in the second half. “Our kids toughed it out,” Mr. Schultz said. “Kudos to our kids. We were underdogs, and Anderson Valley is a really good football team.” Braves running back Carlos Lara rushed for 237 yards and four touchdowns on 29 carries. Quarterback Jonathan Semorile rushed for 79 yards and two touchdowns and passed for 41 yards, including a 34-yard pass to tight end Stran Stevens. Lucas Weeren made a key fumble recovery late in the game. Tomales hosts Roseland Prep tomorrow for the annual homecoming game.