OPEN FLOODGATES  Tehachapi finds the endzone multiple times against Wasco

WELCOME BACK DEFENSE - Tehachapi got a double-bonus in week 8...with their defense moving back to their old ways to couple their re-vamped offensive attack.

Posted 10-28-06

TEHACHAPI NEWS - Probability will tell you that lightning won’t strike the same place twice.

When it comes to Tehachapi’s offense however, Coy Burnett has been a brooding ground for stellar offensive performances the past two weeks, with the Warriors hauling in another impressive scoring night in a 59-7 victory over Wasco.

Tehachapi (5-4; 2-2 SSL) opened up their playbook early against the visiting Tigers, with quarterback Ehren Ochsenrider connecting with Stefan Bekker on two consecutive pass-and-catch scoring connections to help the Warriors go up 12-0. On the second touchdown, Josh Strauss took a handoff down the left sideline to record a successful two-point conversion.

Strauss later went on to put the game away early in the first quarter, scoring from 26 yards out to help Tehachapi go up 20-0.

After a Gabe Bressler 35-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter, the Warriors rotated in other talented backs in the game, with Kelly Lorenz connecting on a 48-yard touchdown run and Levi Lantz on a 16-yard run to help Tehachapi go into halftime up, 40-0.

Tehachapi’s first offensive play from scrimmage in the third quarter was a sweep down the right sideline by Kelly Lorenz, who went untouched for a 74 yard touchdown run. Lorenz finished the night as the Warriors top rusher with 176 yards on seven carries, scoring twice.

With the game out of reach for Wasco (3-6; 0-4 SSL) in the fourth quarter, history was made for Tehachapi when sophomore Franky Rodriguez scored a 99-yard touchdown run. The play was the longest run from scrimmage in Tehachapi High School history, breaking the old mark set by Mark Ricker in 1980 in a 98-yard run against Mojave.

Tehachapi recorded their final touchdown of the night on a Cameron Harris 16-yard run with less than two minutes remaining in the game. Overall, Tehachapi recorded a season-high total rushing yardage as a team in one game, amassing 524 yards.

On defense, Alek Taliulu recovered a couple of fumbles on kickoff returns, while Jonathan Perrier recovered a bobble punt in second half action. Zeke Saavedra also had an impressive interception in the fourth quarter on one-on-one coverage, denying Wasco’s top back a touchdown on a fade route.

Tehachapi will be in action this week on the road against Bakersfield Christian in their final regular season game of the year. The game against the Eagles will be at 7:30 p.m.

Seedings for the CIF Central Section Division III bracket are set to be announced the following day in Porterville.

Hit and Fly!

MOUNTAIN MEDIA VIDEO Game-By-Game Video Highlights

	JV Standout  #6 Adam Mullen should get some looks in the playoffs if the opportunity arises With just one game left in the regular season, Tehachapi can now turn their eyes in the distance to the CIF Division III playoffs.  There were a lot of rumblings on where Tehachapi might end up to start their run...you can definitely expect a first round game with a possible 6-4 (3-2 SSL) record, pending the result against Bakersfield Christian.  Basically, Tehachapi just needs to get at least the eighth seed to get consideration for a first round home game. Interested to see how JV standouts like Adam Mullen do in the playoffs?  You may get your chance at least in the first round if Tehachapi's offensie continues the dominance from week 7 and week 8 into their stretch run in the playoffs.
	THSWARRIORS.com has made the following projections for the playoffs:  #1 Garces (9-1; 4-1 SEYL), #2 Granite Hills (8-2; 5-1 EYL), #3 Golden Valley (7-3; 3-2 SEYL), #4 Dinuba (7-3; 3-2 CSL), #5 Washington Union (6-4; 3-2 NSL) , #6 Foothill (4-6; 2-4 SEYL), #7 Arvin (6-4; 4-1 SSL), #8 Tehachapi (6-4; 3-2 SSL), #9 Kerman (5-5; 2-3 CSL), #10 Delano (6-4; 3-3 EYL), and the rest....#10 Cesar Chavez, #11 South, #12 McLane, #13 Roosevelt.  This is just opinion...it might break down a bit differently depending on how week 10 pans out.  But something to watch out for, Granite Hills will be on the scouting prowl (regular season finished) after finishing as the EYL champions.  Even though the Grizzlies lost to Dinuba earlier in the season, the Emperors recent slump and Granite Hills winning the league championship should vault them higher in the standings.  Foothill, who will enter the playoffs with a losing record, could be looked upon favorably after an impressive 29-21 win over Golden Valley in week 9.  Also...Foothill did defeat Arvin early in the year.
	Depending on how the committee pits Foothill and the committee's opinion of Delano, Tehachapi can get a first-round home game with at least the #8 seed, and potentially higher.  You can't ignore Tehachapi putting up 75 points against a team (Shafter) who beat Delano in the first game of the season...but we'll see. A #7 or #6 seed would be great for the Warriors...having to face either Dinuba or Granite Hills in the second round, which would be more favorable than Garces.  For a rundown of who goes against who, check out the CIF Division III Bracket next Saturday.
	Warrior Volleyball is sitting at 19-5-5 (5-3 SSL).  If you get a chance, catch the ladies in action this Thursday against Arvin at 6:15 p.m. in the THS gym.  For a schedule, click here.  For up-to-date stats on all our Lady Warriors, click here.  The Lady Indians can clinch at least a share of the SSL title against Arvin this week with a 14-3-3 (9-1 SSL) record if they can defeate BCHS and Arvin.
	Be sure to tune in frequently to get the latest new, highlights, and commentary!  Be sure to check out the Central Valley Sports chat room forum at some point this year...and don't forget to follow statistical highlights on all Warrior sports on maxpreps.  On maxpreps, a link to each Tehachapi sport can be found by scrolling on the left-hand side of the page.  Thanks to all of you for logging in and supporting Tehachapi High School Warrior athletics!