Colts score late to forge tie with Trojans in season opener for both teams
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LOWER LAKE >> Held to negative yardage on offense for three quarters, the Middletown Colts struck for a 30-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to earn a 6-6 tie with the Lower Lake Trojans in Mendo-Lake Empire Junior Football League pee wee action Saturday at Lower Lake High School.
“They snuck a TD pass in on us,” Lower Lake head coach Ken Hooten said of the Colt.
Lower Lake (0-0-1) took a 6-0 lead in the first half on a 2-yard run by Maxx Wilkins, who finished the game with 24 yards on seven carries.
“Maxx Wilkins is a strong runner and loves contact,” Hooten said.
Quarterback Vinny Stephan passed for 44 yard and ran for another 37 in the Trojans’ season opener while Wyatt Hooten led Lower Lake on the ground with 110 yards on 17 carries. Sebastian James had three catches for 44 yards.
“My boys came out hungry and played hard and aggressive all game,” Hooten said. “Our offense moved the ball around with ease and was well rounded.”
Middletown had chances to add to its lead throughout the game, according to Hooten.
“Our line is very big and strong, but penalties killed us and kept us from scoring when we were in the red zone,” Hooten said.
Waylon Estep anchored Lower Lake’s defense, according to Hooten.
“I’m happy with my team’s performance,” Hooten said. “We have a few things to work on, and we will be ready for Kelseyville on Saturday.”
Middletown scoring and statistics were not reported.
Both teams return to action Saturday. Lower Lake hosts Kelseyville (0-1) while Middletown (0-0-1) travels to Cloverdale (1-0). Pee wee action at both locations begins at 3:30 p.m. followed by junior varsity games at 5:30 p.m. and varsity games at 7:30 p.m.