California does not run out of options
California’s Cochise Ryan attempts to evade the tackle of Carmichaels’ Hunter Voithofer Friday night.
California head coach Darrin Dillow speaks to his players Friday night during the Trojans’ game against Carmichaels.
California’s Zion Aldrich carries the ball Friday night against Carmichaels.
Carmichaels’ Chad Ruse knocks away a pass Friday night intended for California’s Cochise Ryan.
Carmichaels’ Chad Ruse tries to evade the tackle of California’s Jordan Campbell Friday night.
Carmichaels’ Chad Ruse gets tackled by California’s Austin Grillo as Jordan Campbell also closes in Friday night.
California’s Zion Aldrich attempts to evade the tackle of Carmichaels’ Nick Mundell Friday night.
COAL CENTER – It’s hard to believe anyone has the offensive firepower to match California High School. The Trojans had scored a WPIAL-high 359 points entering Week 6 for an average of nearly 60 points per game.
That doesn’t bode well for any opponent, but if there’s any in the Tri-County South Conference that might be able to hang with the Trojans, it’s Carmichaels.
In the conference, only West Greene and California have allowed fewer points per game. The Mikes also have an offense of their own that isn’t too bad.
The two teams met Friday night in a clash for sole possession of first place in the conference.
But as so many teams before it did, Carmichaels felt the wrath of California’s potent multi-pronged attack early and often.
Jelani Stafford crossed the 1,000-yard mark for the season and scored four touchdowns to lead California to an impressive 42-7 victory over visiting Carmichaels Friday night.
“The team played well,” said California head coach Darrin Dillow. “We’re still making stupid mistakes, even in the first half. Next week against Rochester, we have to play a good game, close to perfect.”
The Mikes were in trouble right from the start, as it took the Trojans (5-0, 7-0) just three plays and less than a minute to score their opening touchdown. Cochise Ryan nearly took the opening kickoff for a touchdown, going 56 yards to set up California in great field position. He handled the first play from scrimmage for a 28-yard run, then Stafford scored the first of his touchdowns from two yards.
Whichever running back California utilized, Carmichaels struggled to contain, whether it was the shiftiness of Ryan or the bullish nature of big 6-3, 263-pound Stafford. Even Ryan showed an ability to overpower the defense, as his 6-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter looked like he was stopped several yards shy of the goal line before muscling his way in.
“My God, that dive hits at 100 miles an hour,” said Carmichaels coach Ryan Krull. “And the toss, they toss that thing so wide, and then they sprinkle in the option. They make you defend every inch of the field.”
That made the score 14-0, and it would get worse for the Mikes (4-1, 4-2.)
Carmichaels failed to get a first down in the first half and totaled minus-2 yards of total offense, in part to three sacks, in the opening 24 minutes.
Conversely, California had three players rush for 54 yards or more in the first half. Ironically, Stafford gained the fewest of those three, but did rush for three second-quarter touchdowns. The Trojans rushed for 221 yards and gained 246 total to open up their 35-0 halftime lead. They had 15 first downs at the break and finished with 19.
Stafford finished with 91 yards rushing on 13 carries, both team highs. He has 1,055 yards rushing on the season.
“He’s been a workhorse,” said Dillow. “He’s a great kid to be around.”
Ryan gained 80 yards on seven attempts, Zion Aldrich rushed for 61 yards and Jonothan Wood had 56 yards rushing and a touchdown. All told, California gained 319 yards on the ground compared to 83 for the Mikes. Nick Mundell gained 40 of those yards on one play and finished with 55 on seven attempts.
“We’ve got a lot of things to clean up,” said Krull, “and no time to feel sorry for ourselves. In less than a week, we kick off another ballgame. We all know this didn’t go our way. It doesn’t mean our season is over.”