LJ FB 51 Mission Bay 14

Vikings' R.C. Ault (2) and Da'Jour Tims (right) put the

vise on Bucs' Michael Sanders in first half.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

 

Collin Rugg went over the pile at the Mission Bay goal line for a two-point conversion to put the Vikings up 14-0 with 10:24 left in the second quarter.

La Jolla offensive coordinator Tyler Roach had just gotten done saying before the game, "We don't have any plays that call for Collin to run. We just use his arm."

So when asked about this play, clearly designed for the senior quarterback to carry the ball after a flag annulled a previous attempt at a PAT, Roach protested good-naturedly, "I didn't call that play." He was grinning.

And so were the rest of the Vikings after the early 14-0 lead ballooned to 28-7 at halftime of Mission Bay's Homecoming, held at University City due to construction on the Buccaneers' new field. The final came mercifully at 51-14.

The question on whether La Jolla has plays designed for Rugg to run came up because of a reporter's earlier question: Does Collin have more freedom to run the ball in the offense? Roach's answer to that question, texted to him prior to the game but answered on the pregame sideline, was "yes", of course. Anyone watching the red-and-black this year has seen the Rugg-man take off on sprints that were not seen in last year's edition. And these runs are going for good effect.

Reid Martin, who does have running plays designed for him, rushed for two touchdowns, after one TD last week in his first game back after missing the first six games of the season with an injury. The Viking defensive unit recorded its first safety in a while.

Receiver Trenton Fudge (19) celebrates TD

with Tims in second quarter. Vikings went

up 21-7 on Fudge's catch.

(Photo by Ed Piper)



In what was projected to be a close match-up, Mission Bay (1-2 Western League, 3-5 overall) crumbled more and more as La Jolla's confidence increased as the game progressed.

The Bucs were in the ballgame when they scored with 8:34 left in the second quarter, trailing 14-7. But the Vikes (1-1, 4-4) added two more touchdowns in the period. They went up 35-7 midway through the third quarter, and the rout was on.

Receiver Carlton O'Neal, now the LJHS career record holder for catches, had a spectacular play in which he dragged multiple defenders at least 10 yards following his reception from Rugg. That put the ball inside the Mission Bay 15 and was quickly followed by a score.

Martin, after a week to further build his strength and comfort level at being back in action, looked like he was stronger and felt increased confidence beyond last week.

The La Jolla offense used a varied ground attack, with Martin, Joe Vang, and Jonathan
Levenson taking handoffs at running back.


Copyright 2014 Ed Piper