by David Tesitor
LA VETA- The La Veta Redskins came alive to dismantle the Manzanola Bobcats, 64-19 in last Friday’s homecoming game in La Veta. The Skins put up 596 offensive yards and over 150 in return and special team yardage before the night was over. The defense also was instrumental in stopping the running attack of Manzy’s David Torres and Troy Padilla. Adam Ortivez intercepted a pass in the end zone while both John Brunelli and Clancey Kruetzer recovered fumbles in the red zone, stopping two Bobcat drives.
The Redskins got on the board first when Brandon Morgan broke around the left side for a 28-yard touchdown. Brunelli converted the PAT.
The Bobcats’ next drive ended with an end run by Michael Aragon for a five-yard touchdown. On the ensuing kickoff, Manzanola attempted a failed onside kick, giving the Skins a short field to work with. Brunelli took advantage on the first play and hit Kaleb Bird for a 35-yard pass inside the twenty. Jared Ray took a pitch for twelve yards to the two. Brunelli scored on a keeper and the Skins took a 13-7 lead and never looked back.
The next Bobcat drive was stalled by a strong Redskin defense forcing a punt on a 4th and 9. Rae returned the ball 22 yards to mid-field, setting up the Redskins’ offense. Brunelli connected with Clancy Kreutzer for a 48-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion by Brunelli was good and the Redskins assumed a commanding 21-7 lead.
A squib kick and Bobcat fumble gave La Veta the ball at the Manzanola 40-yard line. Brunelli went to work again, giving the Skins a 27-7 lead midway through the second quarter.
On the next Bobcat possession, the Redskin defense allowed the Bobcats to drive to the 1-yard line after a tackle by Adam Ortivez saved a touchdown. The Skins then executed a perfect goal line stance forcing a 4th and goal at the five. A Torrez keeper ended at the two, forcing the ball to be turned over on downs.
La Veta fumbled the ball on the next play in the end zone giving the Bobcats a glimmer of hope, 27-13 at 2:29 in the half, but as the half ended, the Redskins led 43-19.
The only Bobcat threat in the second half ended when Adam Ortivez intercepted a Torrez pass in the end zone. La Veta drove 80 yards to score when Dylan Sporcich broke free and scored on a 47-yard run. La Veta scored once again when Morgan scored on a 32-yard run for his third touchdown of the night.
Mercifully, the 40-point rule was applied, and the clock continued to tick down with no additional scoring. Coach Ortivez played most of his junior varsity the third and forth quarters.
When the smoke settled and the numbers were counted, Morgan led all rushers with 136 yards and 4 touchdowns. Ray had 93, Brunelli with 83, Sporcich with 73, W.D. Arnold with 28, Kaleb Bird with 6, Blake Warren and Logan Williams with 2 each. Brunelli went 7 for 11, passing for 161 yards and two touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Morgan had 12 unassisted and 11 assisted tackles. Kreutzer had 2 sacks and Jon Sanchez one.
The Redskins will host the Hoehne Farmers for their annual rivalry tomorrow. The Skins beat the Farmers last season, 30-22, and former Walsenburger Bob Schafer’s Farmers will be looking to avenge the loss.
