EDGED BY BURROUGHS THS drops game against Ridgecrest, look to rebound before league

Posted 09-27-08

TEHACHAPI NEWS - Hampered by penalties and turnovers, Tehachapi nearly overcame mid-game disasters to almost pull off an upset win over Burroughs.

Tehachapi took a 21-17 lead with a late game touchdown by Matt Bloom on a three yard reception by Kurtis Knudson, but a 98-yard kickoff return in the games final seconds gave Burroughs (3-0) the nod in a final 23-21 score.

Tehachapi registered an alarming seven turnovers overall in the game, losing six by fumbles and one by interception late in the fourth quarter.

Despite the miscues, the Warriors registered the best passing output on the year with 121 yards through the air, with Knudson completing six passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. Mountain Football also had 200 yards on the ground, led by Josh Strauss with 89 yards on 14 carries and Angelo Loli with 78 yards on 16 attempts.

Scoring for Tehachapi (1-3) was Loli on a nine-yard run, Derek lange on a 1-yard run and Bloom on a 3-yard touchdown reception. Strong performances in the receiving category was JJ Balkar, who hauled in a key fourth-down reception and a 53-yard catch-and-run to help set up the final score of the evening for Mountain Football, and Strauss who had a team-high three receptions.

On defense, Tehachapi's line was relentless in their pressure, registering four sacks and three interceptions to stymie the Burroughs passing game. Garrett Coontz had two interceptions, while Vince Ortiz had a screen-pass takeaway in the second half. Overall, Burroughs was held to 130 yards passing, well off their 260 yard average accumulated in the first two games.

For the season, Josh Strauss has 460 yards on the ground, followed by Angelo Loli with 221 yards. Mullen and Lange round out the century-yard rushers with 176 and 101 yards respectively on the year.

Mullen, who has sat out the last two contests to rehab from a sprained MCL, is expected to return for the SSL opener against Shafter in three weeks.

Tehachapi will look to finish the pre-season schedule strong in a road contest against Rosamond this Friday night. Kickoff will be at 7pm at Rosamond High School.
 

Hit and Fly!

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