Gilroy
– The 2006 Northern California Champion Semi-Pro Central Coast
Barnstormers football team had a reason to celebrate Saturday night
after a dramatic 17-14 comeback victory against the rival Richmond
War Angels.
Gilroy – The 2006 Northern California Champion Semi-Pro Central Coast Barnstormers football team had a reason to celebrate Saturday night after a dramatic
17-14 comeback victory against the rival Richmond War Angels.
The Barnstormers trailed at the half 14-0, in front of a surprisingly large home crowd at Garcia-Elder field. The defense stiffened, however, in the second half lad by relentless pressure by defensive tackle Issac Hernandez and others.
Running back Derek “D Train” Morrison, who played with Tom Brady of the New England Patriots in his youth in Palo Alto, rushed for a touchdown in the third quarter and narrowed the gap. Quarterback Brian Smith tied the game with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter on a quarterback sneak.
The War Angels attempted one last offensive attack, which was halted by an interception by cornerback Tyrone Ward.
The Barnstormers lost the coin toss in overtime, but its defense was once again up to the test, forcing the War Angels to punt it away. After the offense secured enough yardage, kicker Jaime Iracheta sealed the victory with the winning field goal.
Offensive lineman and co-owner of the Barnstormers, Joe Joffrelongoria, said, “This win against our rival is a great way to start off this season. We’re all inspired by last year’s success.”
The Barnstormers play at home again at 7pm Saturday against the Northern Valley Lions at Gilroy High School.
