Trojans dominate Commodores in Tri-County battle
PERRYOPOLIS-The California Trojans remained unbeaten in Tri-County South conference play, going on the road Friday night to dominate the Frazier Commodores, 41-7. The Trojans (2-0, 2-2), trailed 7-6, at the end of the first quarter, but found their stride in the second quarter with touchdown runs from Waugh Carter, and Donte Valentino to take control of the contest.
“Donte lit the fuse, but the other kids were the dynamite tonight,” Trojans head coach Joe Kuhns said. “We had a lot of kids contribute tonight, we hit them from everywhere, so teams can’t key on Donte. We have a few other kids that can get the job done.”
California jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first quarter, when Quarterback Christopher McVicker connected with Gerald Hawk on a screen pass that covered 23 yards.
Frazier (0-2, 1-3) charged back on the arm, of Tony Battaglini. The Commodores were facing a third and ten from the California 41. Battaglini rolled left and hit Jim Traynor with a 41-yard scoring pass. The extra-point by Fred Diederich, gave the Commodores a 7-6 lead going into the second quarter.
“This has been a trend for us this year. We’ll stay with a team for a while, then we make a mistake and we’re trying to catch up,” Frazier head coach Lew Sweitzer said. “I’m going to look at the film and try to find some answers, and make the necessary corrections for next week.”
A couple of mistakes cost the Commodores. In the second quarter, California managed to regain the lead on a nine-yard run from Carter. Valentino’s two-point run made the score 14-7, in favor of the Trojans. California kicked-off, and the kick fell short. Cal fell on the loose ball at the Frazier 33. Three plays later Valentino scored on a 23-yard run. McVicker’s pass to Mike Hrivnak on the two-point conversion, gave California a 22-7 lead at the half.
The Trojans continued to pull away in the third quarter. Frazier intercepted a pass at their one. They were forced to punt from their 14. The punt was blocked and recovered by Trojans linebacker Steven Chester. Brandon Rossi scored on a six yard run with 1:43 left to play in the quarter. Adam Wilkinson’s kick made the score 29-7 in favor of the Trojans.
“Steve is the heart and soul of this team and made a lot of big hits for us tonight,” Kuhns said. “Not to many people talk about him, but he’s an all-around football player. He not only makes plays on defense, but makes a lot of big blocks on offense.”
California struck for another score just before the end of the quarter. Battaglini was sacked by Chester and fumbled at the Frazier-41. Two plays later, Hawk tossed a 43-yard touchdown pass to Carter. The kicked failed to increase the Cal lead to 35-7.
The Trojans picked up their final score of the night in the fourth quarter on a 39-yard run by Brandon Greco.
“There are some things we have to work on before we face Monessen next week,” Kuhns said. “We’re not going to change anything. We just want to make sure everyone is healthy and polish up on the things we do best.”