Down 7-0 at the half, Barnstormers score 27 unanswered points
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Gilroy – The Central Coast Barnstormers scored 27 unanswered points to defeat the Nor-Cal Lawmen 33-19 Saturday night for the semi-pro football Northern California Championship at Diablo Valley Junior College.
Despite having two excellent opportunities to score in the first half, the Barnstormers (12-0) trailed 7-0 at halftime. But in the third quarter, the ball bounced the Barnstormers’ way. On the first play, the Barnstormer defense forced a fumble. Seven runs and 42 yards later, Tommy Jimenez and the offense found paydirt and tied the game 7-7.
Three plays into the subsequent defensive stand, John Conley intercepted a pass and returned it to the 1-yard line. Quarterback keep by Bryan Smith made it 14-7.
After two unsportsmanlike conduct flags, the CCB special teams recovered an on-side kick at the Lawmen 22-yard line. Five plays later, Derrick Morrison kept his feet moving for another touchdown to make it 21-7. The Barnstormer defense forced a punt four plays into the Lawmen’s offensive drive. Lance Goularte blocked the punt and returned it for a touchdown to extend the Barnstormer lead to 27-7.
Tempers would flare and cost the Lawmen over 50 yards in penalties in the fourth quarter. The Barnstormers preserved the 33-19 victory.
“It was really rewarding as an organization because we came so close so many times in the past,” quarterback Smith said about winning the championship.
The victory not only earned the Northern California Championship, but also marked the 50-game win milestone for the Barnstormer Franchise. Over seven years, the Barnstormers are 50-26 have played in four consecutive conference championship games. The franchise owns two division titles, one NCAFF league title and one Northern California title.
The Barnstormers will host the California State Championship December 2 at Gilroy High.
All-Star Honors
Twelve Central Coast Barnstormers were named to the 2006 NCAFF All-Star team. Defensive tackle Conley, strong safety Joe King, outside linebacker Willie Gamboa, outside linebacker Lance Goularte, cornerback Bobby Jones and cornerback Tyrone Ward (who was in a close running for Defensive League MVP) were the all-star selections on defense. On offense wide receiver Aaron Muro, center Jose Rodriguez, fullback Tommy Jimenez, wide receiver Ajene Palmer, quarterback Smith and wide receiver Morrison earned all-star honors. Morrison was also named the NCAFF Southern Conference Offensive MVP.
Visit the Central Coast Barnstormer Web site at www.ccbfootball.com.
