Trojans improve to 2-0 with second straight shutout victory, 32-0
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LOWER LAKE >> Lower Lake’s pee wee Trojans moved to 2-0 on the season with a 32-0 victory over the Middletown Colts during Mendo-Lake Empire Junior Football League action Saturday at Gordon Sadler Field in Lower Lake.
Camari Onwuasoeze Jr. rushed for 161 yards and two touchdowns on only seven carries while also catching a pass for 14 yards. Teammate Erian Gonzalez added 53 yards on four carries with two touchdowns and a conversion run.
“Offensively, Erian and Camari continue to do what they do best,” Lower Lake head coach Jamez Conatser said. “Camari had a great game and showed again how dangerous he can be when a play breaks down. On one of his big runs, he was wrapped up by three defenders and somehow got out of it and turned it into a 68-yard gain. Erian continues to be a consistent playmaker for us as well.”
“Lower Lake came ready to play and we didn’t,” Middletown head coach Cody Smith said. “Hats off to their kids and their coaching staff. We knew from the scrimmage with them earlier in the year that this was going to be a tough, physical football game that could go either way as long as we didn’t let their speed get outside on us, and that’s just what happened.”
While rolling up nearly 250 yards on the ground, the Trojans picked up a fifth rushing touchdown from William Villa on a 30-yard run. He also caught a 14-yard pass. Draco Benefield had a conversion run.
“Our offensive line did a great job, and Brayden Walsh had some key blocks downfield that helped turn good runs into big ones,” Conatser said. “That’s the stuff that doesn’t always show up in the stats, but as coaches, we notice it.”
Two lost Middletown fumbles figured prominently in the outcome, according to Smith.
“Their first TD was a fumbled snap that turned into a 82-yard TD, and that got us on our heels,” Smith said. “Lower Lake never looked back.”
Elijah Tucker had 10 carries for 51 yards for Middletown (1-1).
Lower Lake defensive leaders were Villa and Cristiano Lopez, each with one fumble recovery, Benefield with two solo tackles, and Lopez, Walsh and Stephen Barios, each with one tackle for loss. The Trojans allowed just 47 yards.
“Defensively, Cristiano Lopez and Brayden Walsh really stood out and caused chaos all over the field,” Conatser said. “Stephen Barios also came up with some clutch tackles when we needed them.”
Added Conatser, “Overall, it wasn’t perfect and it wasn’t always pretty, but we won 32-0. The kids found their rhythm, made plays and got the job done. We’re continuing to grow as a team, and that’s exactly where we want to be.”
While there weren’t many highlights for the Colts, Colton Smith completed a 23-yard pass to Jaxx Salter, and Colton Noonis and Danny Yell anchored the defense with six and four tackles, respectively.
“I’m proud of my kids for fighting through some adversity,” Smith said. “This is a good reality check we needed early in the year to see what we are made of and to build off it to get better together.”
The entire league takes Sept. 5 off for the Labor Day holiday. Lower Lake also has a bye on Sept. 12 before returning to action Sept. 19 at Fort Bragg. Middletown’s next game is Sept. 12 at home against Kelseyville.
