SHS
Garcia, Acevedo and Alcantar all scored rushing touchdowns in the second quarter from 46, 20 and 24 yards out, respectively, to close out the half with a 62-0 lead over Avenal. The Spartans Osvaldo Ibarra was 9-of-10 on PATS.
Strathmore’s final score came from senior quarterback Cody Roundtree on a 1-yard keeper that ended the third quarter.
“We’re trying to win with humility and if and when that happens, we’ll lose with some humility too,” said Blackwell. “We got to keep these guys in shape and there’s nothing like game shape. We can’t pound the rock with Joseph 30 times a game, it’s just not right.”
For nearly the entire game, the Spartans’ defense prevented the Bucs from getting across midfield or even picking up. Garcia, who Blackwell puts in on defense to keep him in “game shape” got big hits on Avenal’s runners and receivers, as well junior linebacker Damian Valencia and senior defensive end Andres Lara.
Less than five minutes away from Strathmore’s first shutout of the season, the Bucs finally crossed midfield and got inside of the Spartans’ 20-yard line. From the three-yard line quarterback Kenneth Vieira scored on a keeper and then hit wide receiver Gabriel Ramirez for a 2-point conversion.
“I was pretty impressed with the second half, the second [string] guys came in and they played pretty tough,” said Blackwell. “Avenal is struggling so I don’t really know what the win means. They’re struggling but that’s a traditional rivalry for Strathmore, California. We’ve been playing them for a good 60 years.”
Strathmore begins East Sequoia League play Friday, Oct 6 at Woodlake (3-2).