Trojans pull away in second half to beat Middletown Colts 26-12 in season opener
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LOWER LAKE >> Picking up where they lost off last season when they beat Middletown 22-12 to win the Mendo-Lake Junior Empire Junior Football League championship in the varsity division, the Lower Lake Trojans opened a new year with a 26-12 victory over those very same Colt on Saturday evening at Lower Lake High School.
A 20-6 second half proved to be the difference after the two teams entered halftime tied at 6.
“It was a good day to start the season,” Lower Lake head coach Mark Garner said. “The boys played really hard all night.”
Braylen Fanucchi rushed for 70 yards and two touchdowns to lead Lower Lake (1-0). Teammate Wyatt Chaelcki added 77 yards and a TD.
Lower Lake’s first points came on Brilee Hayes’ 21-yard touchdown reception.
On the defensive side of the ball, Damion Giambra had a team-best six tackles. He had plenty of help from Michael Garner, who had four tackles and an interception, and from Gavin Cheek (four tackles).
“We have some things to clean up this week before our next game, but overall I was happy with how we played,” Garner said.
Middletown scoring and statistics were not reported.
Lower Lake hosts Kelseyville (0-1) next Saturday while Middletown (0-1) visits Cloverdale (1-0). Pee wee games at both locations begin at 3:30 p.m. followed by junior varsity games at 5:30 p.m. and varsity games at 7:30 p.m.