Defense keys Trojans’ win over Mikes
COAL CENTER 鈥� In a Tri-County South Conference game featuring two teams clinging to title hopes, California played elite defense and used a raucous home crowd to defeat Carmichaels 27-6 lsat Friday night.
The Trojans (3-2, 6-2) have now won two in a row following a two-game losing streak and they pulled into a tie with the Mikes for third place in the conference.
The Mikes (3-2, 5-3) entered the contest riding a two-game winning streak, beating conference foe Beth-Center on the road, and besting conference opponent Monessen 40-36 at home. While Carmichaels was able to escape with a win their defense had difficulty slowing down Monessen蘑菇视频 rushing attack.
鈥淲e did a better job in the second half stopping the run against Monessen,鈥� Carmichaels head coach Ron Gallagher said before the game against the Trojans. 鈥淎fter struggling in the first half, we made some adjustments.鈥�
It was California蘑菇视频 defense that stepped up against the Mikes. Carmichaels was held to 17 rushing yards in the first 24 minutes.
Carmichaels senior quarterback Alec Anderson was forced to throw frequently throughout the opening two quarters. Anderson completed nine of his first 14 passes for 63 yards.
Still, the Mikes punted five times, had one turnover on downs, and were held scoreless in the first half.
California蘑菇视频 offense was able to institute a strong rushing attack behind its veteran-lead offensive line. The Trojans ran the ball 24 times for 103 yards and three scores in the first half.
Junior quarterback Jake Layhue got the scoring started midway through the first quarter when he snuck into the end zone from one yard out.
Layhue only completed two passes in the first half, but one was a 51-yarder to senior wide receiver Caden Powell that set up the Trojans鈥� third touchdown.
Junior running backs Zachary Geletei and Spencer Petrucci were also able to find the end zone. Petrucci scored from 17 yards on a reverse toss and Geletei found his way in from three yards to give the Trojans a 21-0 lead at the half.
California picked up right where it left off in the second half. Petrucci and Geletei were leaned on throughout the opening drive. A perfectly timed play-action pass helped Layhue connect with senior tight end Aidan Lowden down the middle of the field for a 24-yard touchdown.
The Mikes were able to sustain their ensuing drive past midfield but failed to convert a fourth down.
On their next drive, Anderson was able to connect with senior wide receiver Tyler Richmond for a 28-yard touchdown pass on fourth down for the only Carmichaels score of the night.
Anderson ended the night completing 21 of 30 passes for 105 yards but the Mikes were held to just 63 rushing yards. Richmond was a bright spot for Carmichaels catching 11 passes for 68 yards and the touchdown.