East Bay played about as sloppily as it could have, racking up numerous off-ball penalties throughout the evening. But it wasn’t enough to keep them from beating Strawberry Crest, 31-20, on the road.
The Indians got on the board at 6:16 in the first quarter – three minutes after an impressive run by Gaej Walker was called back – with a rushing touchdown, which Crest running back Bryce Blackmon answered with a touchdown of his own at 11:45 in the second quarter. But the Chargers’ PAT attempt was no good, resulting in a 7-6 score.
East Bay scored again at 11 minutes in the quarter, with another big rushing touchdown, and lost fumbles from each team prevented any further touchdowns in the half. The Indians did get a field goal as time expired, going into the locker room with a 17-6 lead.
K.J. Sails did his best “Tecmo Bowl” Bo Jackson impression in the second half’s opening kickoff return, shedding tackles from seemingly every Charger on the field after losing control of the catch. His score put East Bay ahead, 24-6.
Tate Whatley helped Crest get back into the game with 41 seconds left in the quarter, throwing a 10-yard touchdown pass, but the two-point conversion attempt failed. The score was 24-12, going into the final frame.
Anthony Hollingshed got East Bay’s final points of the game early in the fourth quarter, scoring on a 20-yard run to make it a 31-12 lead. Crest couldn’t follow up with an answer until there was 1:59 left to play, when Tyler Hood made a diving catch in the end zone for six. This time, the two-point conversion was successful.
The ensuing onside kick attempt failed, though, and the Indians were able to drain the clock for the win.
In other area action, Durant lost to Tampa Bay Tech, 28-0, and also lost its chance at a playoff appearance.
