Yuba City tramples Bella Vista, 38-21
Van Poole big impact with Van Dusen out
By David Warmee
For the Appeal-Democrat
Don't be fooled by the final score, this game was never in doubt.
Friday night the Yuba City Honkers kept their perfect season intact in front of the hometown crowd, dominating all facets of the game and cruising to an easy victory over the previously undefeated Bella Vista Broncos (3-1), 38-21.
"We were really good up front, and our defense was outstanding," said Yuba City coach John Ithurburn. " We have a physical bunch of kids, and they like to hit."
Yuba City (4-0) completely controlled the first three quarters of the contest, racing to a 31-0 lead, then stepped off the accelerator in the final period as the Broncos racked up three touchdowns.
The Honker defense was so dominant in the first half that the Broncos were held to just 15 yards rushing, and BV didn't run a play in the third quarter until YC had put up two TDs.
The Honkers bolted to a 18-0 first half lead, highlighted by a flea flicker double pass from YC quarterback Taylor Elkins with a lateral to Devin Pettengill, who fired a perfect strike to a wide open Louis Mowers for the second YC TD with just seconds to go in the half.
The other Yuba City TD in the opening half was scored by Omar Herrera, who scored on a fourth-down play from the BV 1-yard line. For good measure, kicker Auston Pinkston added a 25-yard field goal.
"Our offensive line did great, and our backs stepped up for sure," Elkins said.
The Honkers put this one in the refrigerator in the third quarter. YC opened the second half by marching 80 yards on 12 plays, as Austin Van Poole plowed in from the 15-yard line to make the score 24-0.
Minutes later, the Honkers made it 30-0. Following a fumble on the ensuing kickoff that was recovered by YC on the BV 23-yard line, Van Poole carried five straight times, including the score from the 1-yard line.
It was game, set and match from that point on.
Van Poole finished his night with 81 yards on 17 carries and two scores. Herrera totaled 62 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.
The Honkers added an insurance TD in the fourth quarter on an 8-yard run by Alex Inskeep.
Bella Vista wouldn't quit, scoring three times in the last 11 minutes, but it was YC's night, with plenty for Honker fans to celebrate.
