Early returns on Neely strong in Cougar loss
- Updated: August 18, 2018
Steele Canyon and Carlsbad captains on Friday evening.
2018 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL
CARLSBAD 41, STEELE CANYON 13
EastCountySports.com staff report
CARLSBAD – The Steele Canyon Cougars nearly dug their way out of an early hole on Friday night against host Carlsbad.
But the Lancers, who led 14-0 early, pulled away from a 14-13 lead to win 41-13 in the season opener at McAllister Field.
Steele Canyon’s speedy sophomore Wes Neely returned a kickoff 97 yard for a touchdown, while Steele Canyon senior quarterback Nathan Barnett rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown in the second quarter.
The kick return was what many expected to see from the bright, young star, and it appeared the sway the momentum for the moment.
However, Carlsbad capitalized on four turnovers and slowed down the traveling Cougars in the second half.
Otherwise, the teams were relatively even in the yardage department.
Steele senior KENNETH WATSON had 60 yards on 10 carries.
Senior MATTHEW MAGRANE was the leading receiver for SC with three catches for 26 yards.
Carlsbad senior running back Luke Armstrong scored three touchdowns and senior quarterback Keoni Quintana passed for three touchdowns.
