Upper Lake’s locked-in offense propels team to 44-26 interlock win over Lower Lake
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UPPER LAKE >> Upper Lake High School’s offense has definitely found its stride, following up a 55-point effort against Fort Bragg a week ago with a 44-26 win over the Lower Lake Trojans on Friday night in Upper Lake during North Central League I interlock action.
Upper Lake (3-6) scored 52 points in its seven games this season but has 99 in its last two. Quarterback/receiver Gage Faalelea, running back Jacob Weldon and wide receiver Antario Wyman figured prominently in the Cougars’ second straight victory, and they weren’t the only ones.
“What a great way for these seniors to bid farewell to their home field,” Upper Lake head coach John Toohey said of Faalelea, Weldon and Antario Wyman, who were among the Upper Lake seniors honored during the final home game of the season.
— Weldon carried the ball 20 times for 135 yards and scored three touchdowns.
— Faalelea finished with 125 rushing yards on 12 carries with three touchdowns, and he also had two catches for 26 yards.
— Wyman ran the ball six times for 80 yards, caught a 58-yard pass, and returned an interception 95 yards to the Lower Lake 1-yard-line to set up a touchdown.
Toohey said Upper Lake’s blocking up front was strong all night.
“Exceptional gap creation all night from the offensive line, tight ends Brody Blancas and Cruz Calvillo, and a standout performance by fullback Cannon Cross-Web,” Toohey said.
Upper Lake ended up with 348 rushing yards on 44 carries to go along with 90 passing yards.
“Wes Wyman, Gage Faalelea and Jacob Welon were too much to account for tonight,” Toohey said. “Corbyn Woolley and Brody Blancas steadied the ship and showed the kind of leadership tonight that’s been in them all year. It was a special night, and I’m sad I only get this one season with them.”
On defense, Faalelea led the Cougars with seven solo tackles plus an assist. Kaiden Sneed added six solo tackles, two assists and two passes defended while Cameron Milhaupt had six solo tackles. Other leaders were TJ Malicay with five total tackles and a pass defender, and Travis McCutcheon with four solo tackles and four assists.
“I am deeply moved by this group’s growth this year and their dedication to getting better in the face of some disappointments,” Toohey said.
Lower Lake (1-7) led 14-12 after one quarter, including a long kickoff return by Tucker Benson for the Trojans’ first points. Upper Lake took a 28-20 lead into halftime, upping that 44-26 after three quarters.
Lower Lake statistics were not available.
