Probably the biggest opponent the Central Coast Barnstormers
faced in its first-round playoff game Saturday was complacency.
by John Stieber Special to the Times
Gilroy – Probably the biggest opponent the Central Coast Barnstormers faced in its first-round playoff game Saturday was complacency.
The Modesto Raiders won the opening coin toss and it pretty much went downhill for them from there as the Barnstormers rolled to a 45-0 win.
The Raiders received the opening kickoff and were pinned at the 6-yard line. The Barnstormer defense forced three and outs on Modesto’s first four possessions to take over in Raiders territory each time.
The took advantage of the great field position to build a quick three-touchdown lead.
The Barnstormers defense forced only one turnover, but more importantly allowed only seven first downs and held the Raiders scoreless. Defensive end Ben Murdoch racked up two sacks.
The offense spread the ball all over the field. Derek “D-Train” Morrison had a pair of rushing touchdowns, while running back Tommy Jiminez and quarterback David Carriedo each ram one in. Wide receiver Aaron Muro and tight end Will Lawrence each had hauled in passes for TDs as well.
On the second play from scrimmage in the second half, Dante Anderson repeated his act from the Barnstormers last game, hauling in an 80-yard catch and run for a touchdown. Joey Stefani had a productive day receiving, catching three pass, including a 30-yard reception.
Special teams was critical for the Barnstormers, pinning the Raiders inside their on 20 on all but one kickoff. David Carriedo returned a punt 55 yards and Tyrone Ward for 65, both getting knocked out of bounds two yards shy of a score.
The coaching staff appeared to have the team well-prepared, mixing up blitz packages on defense and providing a perfect mix of the air and ground attack on defense.
The Raiders coaching staff finished the game with back to back unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, costing the team 30 yards and a final chance at avoiding the shutout.
Rich Salazar, a fan in attendance at Saturday’s game at GHS, said, “This is great. Imagine watching a meaningful football game in June. I love watching the Barnstormers. It helps me get ready to coach the Gilroy Browns, which starts here pretty soon.”
The Barnstormers advance to the NCAFF Semifinals on June 16. The game time and opponent will be determined.
Visit Stubby’s Sports Bar and Grill in Gilroy for information about the Barnstormers semifinal contest.
