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By Frank Smith
The San Manuel Junior High Miners hosted the visiting Mountain Vista taking down the Cougars in a 24 – 14 win.
The Cougars jumped out to an 8 – 0 lead in the first quarter when running back Sam Yankovich on short run into the end zone for the score with Michael Barriga taking in the two point conversion for the lead with 3:50 left in the first quarter.
The Miners answered the call on their next drive with a Jose Damien 65 yard touchdown run down the left side of the field, the two point conversion was no good for a 6 – 8 score with 3:34 in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Cougars scored again with Yankovich scoring on a 27 yard touchdown run, the two point conversion was no good for a 14 – 6 lead with 6:12 on the clock.
The Cougars held on to the lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Miners tied up the game as quarterback Alejandro Camacho scored on a one yard keeper into the end zone, the two point conversion by Robert Franco was good to even things up at 14 – 14 with 1:03 left in the third quarter.
In a series of fumble exchanges, the Miners fumbled at the Cougar six yard line but the Miners defense came up strong as defensive end Antonio Gallego dropped the Cougar quarterback for a safety, picking up the two points with 7:28 on the clock.
The Cougars then kicked off from their own 20 yard line, Miners return man Jose Damien took the ensuing kick off down the left side of field for a 45 yard touchdown return for the score, the two point conversion by Franco was good for a 24 – 14 score.
The Miners held the Cougars to pick up the win 24 -14.
Head Coach Dave Jungbluth said, “We came out flat during the first during the first half. I was disappointed with our lack of discipline on defense. The defensive of players had certain keys and responsibilities that were not being met. The second half the defense played much better. Coby Stratton and Antonio Gallego did a great job containing their quarterback.
Offensively we were having trouble moving the ball because they were bringing everyone on blitzes. Our adjustment was to go to an unbalanced line and attack them with quick dives. That strategy seemed to work as we were able to move the ball much better. I would of liked to pass the ball. The problem was we had a new quarterback who has not had much practice with our passing game. I need to devote more time in that area during practice. I feel fortunate to have won the game . Oracle had a bunch of good athletes that made it difficult for us.”
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