Patriots get Tigers to surrender after early deficit
- Updated: September 24, 2016
Christian's Joey Morones rumbles against host Imperial Friday night. / CHSRedZone photo
2016 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL
CHRISTIAN 40, IMPERIAL 13
By Bill Dickens
© East County Sports.com
IMPERIAL (9-24-16) — After falling behind 13-0 early in the desert heat Friday night (Sept. 23) Christian shifted its offense into overdrive to score 40 consecutive points, resulting in a 40-13 non-league victory over the Imperial Tigers.
And it was thanks to the defense that the Patriots got those opportunities, forcing seven turnovers by the hosts.
JOEY MORONES scored 4 touchdowns on runs of 17, 16, 45 and 11 yards for the Patriots (4-0).
Christian’s THEO GOODWIN (7) celebrates his touchdown with teammate JESSE MATHEWS Friday night. / CHSRedZone photo
“Joey was like a bowling ball knocking down every pin in sight,” said Christian offensive coordinator DAVID BEEZER. “I think the people of Imperial haven’t seen a player like him running up and down the field since (USC’s) Royce Freeman. He was an Imperial guy.”
Traditionally Christian is a 2-back offense, but due to some key injuries Morones took the complete load.
After Imperial took the early lead there was no panic on the Christian sidelines.
“We never panicked,” said Christian head coach MATT OLIVER. “We knew we were the better team, we just had to go out and prove it.”
Christian’s defense produced four interceptions, including two by TSHOMBRE CARTER and one by JOE MARKOWICZ.
NICK MORROW recovered two fumbles and TRENT GINKEL got one, as did BRYCE RIEPL.
Christian recorded an interception with two minutes to go in the first quarter, down 13-7. The Pats also got a QB sack with one minute left in the first quarter.
The Patriots next pick came just two minutes into the second quarter. Three minutes later Christian picked up another Tigers’ fumble.
Christian’s Isaac Rosenthal (34) tackles am Imperial ball carrier Friday night. / CHSRedZone photo
The visitors had their third interception of the first half just past midway in the second quarter. That set up a drive that resulted in Morones’ 45-yard TD run.
With two minutes left in the third, Christian had another of its fumble recoveries. That set up a 39-yard scoring drive that resulted in Morones’ 17-yard TD.
With nine minutes left in the third, Christian got its fourth fumble recovery.
A 68-yard march resulted in a touchdown pass from BRAD JEREMIAH to THEO GOODWIN for 27 yards and a 32-13 lead.
An interception with four minutes left in the third give CHS its fourth of the night.
Morones’ 11-yard score with nine minutes left capped the scoring.
