HIGHLAND HOLDOFF Warrior D helps Tehachapi escape to Section Semi's

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Posted 11-17-07

MOUNTAIN MEDIA VIDEO
Game-By-Game Video Highlights

TEHACHAPI NEWS - At the end of the first quarter, Tehachapi (10-1) had all the momentum swinging their way with a quick 14-0 lead and the potential of a blowout seemingly looming.

But no.8 seed Highland (5-7), led by some quick hitting and opportunistic plays, kept the game close and almost pulled off the upset in an eventual 21-14 victory for the Warriors.

Facing a fourth and 15 on the Tehachapi 37 yard line late in the fourth quarter, Highland nearly put themselves in position for the tying or go-ahead score when the Scots hit a wideout for a first down in the Tehachapi redzone. However after the completion, a penalty, which coincidentally turned out to be Highland’s first recorded infraction in the game, found the Scots in violation of an illegal forward pass. The throw was made past the line of scrimmage, and gave the Warriors a turnover on downs.

Highland had another shot to either tie or win with just over a minute left with a drive starting on their own five yard line, but on the series’ second play, Jeff Waldram intercepted a deep pass to help Tehachapi escape with the win.

The Warriors opened up the game with a 42 yard fumble return for a touchdown by Adam Mullen, and later scored again on a 15-play, 50 yard drive on offense with a 5-yard touchdown catch by Shawn Pimentel from Ehren Ochsenrider on a fake field goal attempt.

Highland answered the second score with a touchdown in the second quarter to make the halftime count 14-6.

In Tehachapi’s final touchdown drive of the evening, the Warriors converted two fourth down conversions with a 10 yard run by Kelly Lorenz and a fourth-and-goal 3-yard run by Adam Mullen to help put Tehachapi up, 21-6.

For the game, Mullen had 57 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while Kelly Lorenz had 99 yards on 20 carries. Josh Strauss also had a solid all-around game with 41 yards on 10 attempts.

On defense, Alek Taliulu recorded an extra point block, Garrett Coontz and Waldram had interceptions, and Mullen had a fumble recovery.

On the docket next for Tehachapi is an early-season re-match with the Garces Rams, who dispatched Golden Valley 51-25 in their quarterfinal game. The game will be this Friday night at 7 p.m. at Coy Burnett Field, with the victor moving on to the CIF Championship against either no.2 seed Foothill or no.3 seed Washington Union.

Hit and Fly!

MOUNTAIN MEDIA VIDEO
Game-By-Game Video Highlights

	WARRIOR SCOUTING REPORT - Tehachapi (10-1) vs. Garces (7-5) The playoffs are full of excitement, anticipation, and drama for all that are involved, but just in case you felt that there was not quite enough, we have a CIF Division III section semifinal match-up between long-time rivals Tehachapi and Garces. Whoa Nellie. Tehachapi started off their season on a great note by taking down Garces in the first game of the season back in August in a 28-13 count, but if you ask the Rams, they have vastly improved since that game. Even of more significance to note, they have no intention of laying down to the Warriors the second time around, with so much more on the line. The Ogilvie Bowl is a great atmosphere, but this is the playoffs, and it is one game away from the CIF championship. While the Ogilvie Trophy will serve as a staple between Tehachapi and Garces throughout the ages, I think there is little argument that the CIF title hardware is a bit more coveted. Despite not having the same look as a season ago in Xavier Tavorn, Steven McDermott, and Tommy Barron melting through opposing defenses in the Garces wing, the Rams have found their own way of winning, and their own style. Luc Cauzza has been a force at his quarterback position, and ran wild last week against Golden Valley in a 51-25 drubbing. Cauzza is one of the most viable threats that the Rams have in the running game, with 644 yards rushing to his credit and seven touchdowns. Cauzza also has 1,391 yards passing on the season, with six receivers recording in the century mark in reception yardage. Cooper Thompson, who saw limited action in Tehachapi’s first meeting after going out of the game with an injury, also had a return to form last week with three touchdowns and 116 yards rushing, while Vincent Phillips is a great speed-sweep back with 13 scores on the year. Michael Berry is also a great between-the-tackles bruiser / cut-back runner in the arsenal with over 300 yards rushing on the season. For Tehachapi to win, they will need to play mistake-free and avoid the penalties and turnovers that plagued them in last week’s victory against Highland. Ironically, the Garces winning style that led them to a CIF Division III championship in 2006 mirrors much like what Tehachapi has this season, with Kelly Lorenz, Josh Strauss, and Adam Mullen providing three effective styles for opposing defenses to try and stop. The three backs have run for nearly an identical amount of yardage on the year, with Lorenz (918), Strauss (908), and Mullen (890) helping Tehachapi to one of the most potent running offenses in the nation, and the potential to become the first trio of runningbacks to rush for 1,000 yards for Tehachapi in the same season. Tehachapi’s offense is also more balanced than it has been in years, with Ehren Ochsenrider completing 37 passes for 607 yards and eight touchdowns, hitting six different players for scores. On defense, the Warriors are tops in the central section with 20 interceptions as a team, led by a strong secondary that features Garrett Coontz, Jeff Waldram, Josh Schulgen, and Franky Rodriguez. Linebackers and down-lineman Alek Taliulu, Derek Lange, Jonathan Perrien, Marcus Abarquez, and Louie Olofson are also some of the best run stoppers in the business. More than any other game this season, this is the one to be at. The overall series is tied 16-16-2 between these two schools, with the victor not only getting a chance to play for a title next week but have the all-time series in their school’s favor. Head down to Coy Burnett stadium this Friday night at 7 p.m. to see football at its very best.
	Warrior Boosters thank those that remember Joe A flood of donations have come in to support all Warrior athletics in memory of Joe Tomasko, who passed away in early September. The Boosters would like to thank all those individuals who donated in memory of Mr. Tomasko, who was a revered and loved selfless contributor to many Tehachapi sporting events. Joe coached two years of Pop Warner Football with the Tehachapi Youth Football League, seven years with Tehachapi Little League, (vice-president for two years), and was a proud 15 year member of the Chain Gang for the Tehachapi Warriors. There have been others that have made donations in memory of Warrior alumni and contributors throughout the years, and your donations are greatly appreciated. Proceeds from donations go toward uniforms, equipment, medals, patches, and pins to honor Tehachapi Warrior athletes in all sports, and help provide transportation and food for athletes in select games.
	CIF CENTRAL SECTION DIVISION BRACKET (FOOTBALL) DIVISION I DIVISION II DIVISION III (Tehachapi no.1 seed) DIVISION IV (Taft no.1 seed) DIVISION V (Bakersfield Christian no.2 seed)
	Be sure to tune in frequently to get the latest new, highlights, and commentary! Be sure to check out the 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!

Questions? Concerns? Corrections? Send Tom Shea an email, he'd like to hear from you.