Cougars defense plays ‘lights out’ in 42-7 win over California program
Spanish Springs started fast last year at Foothill (Palo Cedro, Calif.), only to get outscored 20-7 in the fourth quarter and drop a 46-33 ballgame.
The Cougars again started quickly against the other Cougars on Friday night, and this time, pulled away for a convincing 42-7 home win that featured running clock most of the fourth quarter.
It was the first win of the season for Spanish Springs (1-1, 0-0) following a 43-0 loss to Rocky Mountain (Meridian, Idaho) on the campus of Idaho State last week.
“Last week we played a very good team and we were able to move the ball a little bit … we never could capitalize,” Spanish Springs coach Eric Borja said. “So, it was really good for our offense to score that first one early.
“We’re obviously not quite there yet. We’re not clicking on all cylinders. But we’re getting there.”
Senior running back Gabby Ordaz set up the first touchdown moments into the game with a long kickoff return. Ordaz finished with 96 yards and three total touchdowns, two rushing and one receiving.
The Cougars in purple pushed the lead to 14-0 almost immediately after with a defensive scoop and score.
Foothill answered with its only touchdown of the night, a 65-yard run on a read-option. Spanish Springs then closed the contest scoring 28 unanswered.
“The defense played lights out the whole night,” Borja said. “They really stepped up.”
Senior quarterback Frankie Tiernan threw for 158 yards and a pair of touchdowns to go along with two interceptions. He threw one touchdown, a six-yarder, to Ordaz with five second left in the first half and grow the advantage to 35-7.
He threw the other the 6-4 sophomore Jordan Dudick. Dudick caught six passes for 50 yards and the score.
Spanish Springs goes to Douglas, the place its 2016 season ended in the regional quarterfinals, next Friday.
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