VACAVILLE,CA--- A strong set of underclassmen showed up Friday night for the Pittsburg Pirates (5-0) as they capped off a perfect non-league slate in a 42-31 victory over the host Vacaville Bulldogs (3-2).
Sophomore athlete Willie Harts III made an impact from the get-go, as in the opening possession for Pittsburg, as he executed a 73-yard punt return for a score. Vacaville responded shortly after, as dual-sport standout Troy Claunch (Oregon State baseball commit) found his tight end Zachary Myers for an 11-yard pass, knotting up the score at seven in the first quarter.
Daniel Wright has been a top star for the Bulldogs all season and this game was no exception, as he showed off his talent by breaking a pile of would-be tacklers before finding the end zone on a 31-yard run. His score was set up by a Shane Garner fumble recovery, a problem in the first half for the Pirates as they let the ball loose on three occasions.
Vacaville gave Brandon Talton the opportunity to show his leg in the early minutes of the second quarter and he delivered, nailing a 37-yard field goal to give the Bulldogs a 17-7 lead. Pittsburg quarterback Trey Turner fired back, as he connected with A’jae Boyd, inching in closer to Vacaville as they trailed by just three points. However, that would be short lived as Austin Green cruised his way in for a four-yard touchdown, set up by a 86-yard run by Wright.
After Iffy Joyner and Jacob Bandes came up with huge stops for the Pirates, Turner was back at work. This time, he found Donovan Crosse for a 19-yard reception, closing the gap to 24-21 in the second quarter. The touchdown came after a short punt by the Bulldogs gave Pittsburg the ball inside the Vacaville red zone. Vacaville missed a field goal on its next possession, setting the stage for a hurting Montaz Thompson to take over. He broke loose on a 75-yard run, then scored himself from five yards out to give the Pirates a 28-24 halftime advantage.
Turner and Boyd hooked up again to open the third quarter, this time on a 78-yard strike which gave the Pirates a little bit of breathing room, though not for long.
“We spend a lot of time in the offseason and during practice (together)” said Turner about his chemistry with his receivers. “I want to get them the ball and they want to score.”
Vacaville was not going down easy, though, as Gunner Bagos made his way into the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown. The two teams then traded turnovers, as Harts intercepted a pass, only for the Pirates to lose another fumble, this time in the red zone. The defense held though, and the offense finally put the game away.
Turner found Seu Kuka for a big gain on a leaping catch, and then Harts broke numerous tackles from 28 yards out to give Pittsburg the 42-31 lead.
“I work hard and listen to the advice my coaches hand me.” stated Harts in regard to his versatility.
Both teams will now take a week off before starting league play.
