Eagles soar over Hawks in major way

On a different day, Eldorado might have looked back at its miscues against Volcano Vista and thought those were the difference between winning and losing.

But on Friday night, the Eagles (1-1) had more than enough firepower to survive two costly turnovers and one special teams hiccup, as they cruised to a 55-32 victory at Nusenda Community Stadium.

The game wasn’t really even as close as the final score indicated.

Eldorado moved the ball up and down the field to the tune of 443 total yards, while the Eagles defense harassed Volcano Vista quarterback Austin Blaisure and limited the Hawks to very little in the way of meaningful offense. Still, Volcano Vista hung around longer than it should have thanks to two scores on defense — a 28-yard interception return by Justin Baca and a 25-yard fumble return by Joren Dickey — and a 80-yard kickoff return by Blaine Grant.

Dickey’s fumble return to cut the deficit to 34-18 was the Hawks’ last gasp, however.

The Eagles reeled off the next 21 points in an overwhelming burst to go up 55-18 late in the third period.

Junior quarterback Gabe Smith started the final push with a four-yard TD run with 7:13 to go in the third quarter. Volcano Vista fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and on the next play, Smith connected with Graham McKenney in the end zone for 22 yards.

Then, Javien Chavez intercepted Blaisure on the Hawks’ following play from scrimmage, setting up a 36-yard touchdown run from Eldorado’s Richard Gallegos. With a comfortable lead, Eagles coach Charlie Dotson began to empty his bench, and the Hawks tacked on two scores long after the final outcome had been decided.

Smith was the catalyst for the Eagles’ offense all night, rushing for 126 yards and two scores and passing for 151 yards and two more TDs. That stat line included a 90-yard scamper in the first quarter to give the Eagles a 13-0 lead.