Trojans complete playoff run with 22-12 victory over previously undefeated Colts team
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UPPER LAKE >> Avenging a 26-22 loss to Middletown in early October at Middletown, the Lower Lake varsity youth football team beat the Colts 22-12 on Saturday to win the Mendo-Lake Empire Junior Football League championship at Upper Lake High School.
Lower Lake (8-2), the No. 3 seed in the varsity playoffs, upset No. 2 Willits (7-2) and No. 1 Middletown (9-1) in back-to-back playoff games to claim the title.
“Our defense did a great job shutting the Colts out in the second half,” Lower Lake head coach Mark Garner said. “They kept the pressure on the whole game.”
Damion John finished with six tackles, including a sack, while Roy Percoats also was in on six tackles for the Trojans. Michael Garner added four tackles.
Middletown scored on its first possession to go up 6-0 and then recovered an onside kick to set up a second touchdown for a 12-0 lead, the halftime score.
Lower Lake’s offense finally came to life in the second half. The Trojans received the kickoff and started at the Middletown 49-yard line. They drove for a touchdown, scoring on a Percoats run, and Ismael Orozco’s conversion kick cut the Colts’ lead to 12-8.
“The offense had trouble getting going in the first half but came out much stronger in the second half,” Garner said. “The line really picked it up and started opening up some holes for our backs to get rolling. I was really happy with the job the offense did in the second half.”
Middletown turned the ball over on downs on its ensuing possession, Lower Lake taking over at its own 40-yard line. Lower Lake had a 14-12 lead moments later as Percoats broke loose for a 60-yard touchdown run.
An exchange of punts left the Colts pinned inside their 1-yard line late in the fourth quarter when a big hit by Tony Velazquez caused a fumble that Lower Lake recovered at the 1. Percoats scored on the next play and Orozco’s kick was good to make it 22-12 with 1:14 left in the game.
Middletown started its final possession at its own 37 and had time enough to run three plays before time expired.
“I can’t say enough how thankful I am for the coaches we have,” Garner said. “They have done a great job all season keeping the kids focused and ready to go. Our players never quit, worked hard, and had a great season. I am incredibly proud of these athletes.”