Lower Lake falls to Westshore in semifinal round of league playoffs
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LAKEPORT >> The Lower Lake Trojans went down swinging, falling 13-6 to the Westshore Cardinals on Saturday in the pee wee semifinals of the Mendo-Lake Empire Junior Football League playoffs at Clear Lake High School in Lakeport.
Lower Lake (7-2-2) actually scored first to open up a 6-0 lead as quarterback Vinnie Steffen and wide receiver Sebastian James connected on consecutive passes, a 42-yarder and a 9-yard touchdown.
Westshore pushed ahead 13-6 on a pair of Vincent Rave touchdown runs in the second quarter.
“We had him contained, but the kid is a stud and managed to break tackles and get to the open field,” Lower Lake head coach Daniel Hooten said.
Held scoreless by Westshore during a regular-season 18-0 loss to the Cardinals back in September, the Trojans had trouble moving the ball the rest of the game, according to Hooten.
“Our offense struggled with penalties the second half of the game couldn’t find its momentum,” Hooten said. “Westshore got us back from last year. They are well coached.”
Westshore’s defense limited Lower Lake running back Wyatt Hooten to 45 yards rushing. Steffen passed for 51 yards and ran for another 20.
Hooten anchored the Lower Lake defense with three solo tackles, two assists, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Other tackle leaders were Steffen, Waylon Estep, Camari Onueseuse and Nate Diaz.
“The loss was tough, but that’s what it takes to stay hungry sometimes,” Hooten said. “I am super proud of my team and coaching staff. The kids played great football this year. We finished this year in third place (behind Napa and Westshore in the regular-season standings). We tied the No. 1 team (Napa) and lost by one TD in the playoffs. That’s not too bad.”
Added Hooten, “I am inspired by these kids. Their love for football, the hard work, each other and being Trojans. This is just the beginning. We will be back stronger and hungrier next year.”
