Eye of the Tiger
Varsity FootballMonday, October 25, 2010 By Zach Anderson
The Roseville High School varsity football team surged to a stunning 3-0 league record with a 34-27 victory over the visiting Nevada Union Miners last Friday. The game included questionable calls, blocked kicks, a halfback touchdown pass, two Nevada Union running backs eclipsing the 200 yard marker and a lot of rain. The Miners fell to 0-3 in the Sierra Foothill League as a result. Following a controversial time issue at the end of the game, senior Tyler Renville intercepted a pass with less than 40 seconds left to finally ice the game and send the team to victory and a probable playoff berth. Junior running back Casey Lambert pounded in the game winning score with 4:03 to play in the fourth quarter, one of his three touchdowns. He had 138 yards rushing on 17 carries. His 71 yard touchdown pass to senior Beau Smith also ignited the Tigers and their fans. Smith had 190 yards receiving on eight catches. “It was a huge win for the team,” said junior Garret Haflich. “It was a crazy game.” Prior to the game against Nevada Union, the Tigers squared off against the heavily favored Rocklin Thunder in their first league road test. Roseville stunned the home crowd, knocking off the Thunder 28-21. Rocklin sent an early message, cashing in on two of their first three possessions to race to a 14-0 lead. Roseville responded with an 80 yard drive that culminated in a 21 yard touchdown pass to senior Dana Davis from senior quarterback Nick Blaser. Following a 78 yard touchdown by Rocklin off of a Blaser interception, the Tigers struck back with a pick of their own, and turned it into a 15 yard touchdown pass from Blaser to Smith. Roseville struck first in the third quarter, when Blaser found Smith for a nine yard score. Senior Roberto Vasquez had his PAT blocked to leave Roseville trailing 21-20. After commandeering the lead, Lambert looked ready to ice it when the Tigers found themselves deep into the red zone with just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Lambert fumbled, allowing the Thunder to gain an extra life. Smith sealed the Roseville victory and left the Rocklin seats in shock when he intercepted opposing quarterback Jimmy Laughrea’s fourth down pass. Blaser completed 18 of 32 passes on the evening for a total of 267 yards, three touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. Lambert dominated the ground game with 163 yards on 24 carries. Senior Drew Tawlks carried five times for 18 yards, while juniors Grady Allin and Zac Cunha also logged rushing attempts. Blaser found four targets on the evening. Smith led the way with 92 yards on six catches, while Davis and senior Jesse Klimek each logged five grabs of their own. Lambert also logged a single reception. Senior Foster Tracey led both teams with 10 tackles. The Tigers will next face Del Oro, who is fresh off an upset win over Granite Bay. The Tigers can all but clinch a league title with a win. The Del Oro game is also senior night. Roseville will finish the season with a visit to their bitter rivals, the Granite Bay Grizzlies. |