 |
|
|
|
|
Clark scores four TDs in frosh-soph victory
By Dick Sparrer
In many high school football programs, sophomore Charlie Clark would be a starting varsity running back.
But because the Los Gatos offense features talented senior Justin Narragon and speedy junior Derek Smith at the varsity level, Clark is doing his running this fall for the Gatos frosh-soph.
And head coach Scott Downs is glad he is.
"He's the real deal," said Downs of Clark, who ran for another four touchdowns in last Friday's 29-12 victory over Saratoga. "He had a good blend of making people miss, he's a strong runner and he's fast."
Fast enough and strong enough to play for the varsity? Sure. And he would be, too, if it weren't for Narragon and Smith leading the Wildcats to a 5-0 start in 1999.
So Clark has been busy leading the Gatos frosh-soph to a 5-0 start in the '99 campaign.
Clark carried 19 times for 146 yards in the win over the Falcons, and that doesn't even count his 71-yard kickoff return that followed Saratoga's first score of the night.
Saratoga broke a 67-yard run for a first-quarter touchdown to take a 6-0 lead and "they were pretty pumped," said Downs of the Falcons.
But Clark deflated Saratoga in a hurry when he ran back the kickoff for the touchdown and kicked the extra point that gave the Cats a 7-6 lead.
Clark blasted over from the 3 on the first play of the second quarter and took off on a 55-yard touchdown run before the end of the half. He added two more extra-point kicks to give Gatos a 21-6 lead at intermission.
Saratoga ran back a pass interception 60 yards for a touchdown to cut the lead to 21-12, but Clark ran one in from the 3 for another TD and ran over for the two-point conversion to make the final 29-12.
Clark led the offense with his 146 rushing yards and two pass receptions for 20 yards. Peter Kiszka picked up 25 yards on two carries and snagged a pass for five yards, and Chris Willard rambled for 23 yards on nine attempts.
Steve Sweeney completed four of eight passes for 38 yards, including a 13-yard pass to Nick Russell.
Offensive linemen Ryan Johnson, Tyler Wilson and Nick Crafford led the charge up front.
Brandon Brigham "had a great game," said Downs of the sophomore cornerback who was in on eight tackles, forced a fumble and picked off a pass. Chris McMorrow also had an interception.
Linebackers Eric Brown and Travis Howell combined for 17 tackles, Brown lead the club with seven stops. Matt Cooke had punt and kickoff returns totalling 52 yards, and was also among the tackling leaders with six stops.
Stuart Gordon was in on five tackles and Kiszka, Kenny Heimer and Josh Inman were in on four each. Heimer and Inman added quarterback sacks.
Reserves win
The Los Gatos reserves ripped Saratoga 38-12 in a Saturday morning game. Dennis Freeman and Patrich Michaelsen led the offensive attack for the young Wildcats and Drew Hoffman, Chris Smith, Bryce Murray and Nic Scolari led the defense.
|
|
|
|
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
