Warrior quarterback Kurtis Knudson has brought a whole new dimension to the Warrior offensive game --- a passing attack!
Knudsen set a new school record this past Friday night by erupting for 305 passing yards on 11 completions. Photo by thswarriors.com
Posted by thswarriors.com on October 28, 2008 SSL Ramblings ...
Records Fall in BCHS-Tehachapi Game
Another Big Game In Taft This Week
Geez. Where to begin. If your a fan of good high school football, then you would have thoroughly enjoyed the Bakersfield Christian-Tehachapi game last Friday night in Bakersfield.
The game featured over 1,100+ yards of offense, over 700+ yards in passing yards, and 11 touchdowns. On one side of the ball, future Division I quarterback Derek Carr lit up the evening sky for 441 yards, completing 30 of 40 passes. The Eagle quarterback established a new passing record for Bakersfield Christian.
Carr's passing heroics would not have been possible without a talented group of receivers. Athletic wideout Jake Peterson, at 6'5" tall, really hurt the Warriors with 10 receptions, despite facing double coverage by the Warrior backfield. But the suprise of the night came from Colby Herron, known more for his basketball skills, who continually found seems in the Warrior secondary. Herron caught 11 passes.
For astute observers of the game, Carr even punted one time for a net 4 yards? The only other punt by the Eagles was booted by their regular punter. Carr also played the role of emergency long snapper after one Eagle touchdown. The wobbly snap worked though, as the PAT kick was good. The moment was highly entertaining to the Bakersfield Christian players and fans.
On the other side of the ball, Warrior quarterback Kurtis Knudson completed 11 of 16 passes for a school record 305 passing yards. Now this is impressive --- because the Warriors don't pass! The 305 mark eclipsed the old (modern era) record of 240 yards set by Joel Nash against Wasco in 1992. His primary target was speedy Josh Strauss who caught multiple passes over the middle, including one 70 yard TD scamper. The successful passing game was made possible by an Eagle defense that loaded the box --- daring the Warriors to pass the ball. Strauss finished the evening with 6 receptions for 203 yards. This too, is a new Warrior receiving record.
And to think, Tehachapi fumbled SIX times, losing FOUR fumbles. One fumble was at the BCHS 5 with about 2 minutes left before the half. The Warriors were running all over BCHS and set to score. But the fumble led to a BCHS 95 yard drive and a TD just before the half --- a 13 point swing.
Yep, it was quite a game. But in the end, the only stat that really counted was the final score: BCHS 40, Tehachapi 35.
Mullen Moving Up The Ranks As Warrior Touchdown Maker ...
Talented running back Adam Mullen had a big night too against Bakersfield Christian. The fiesty senior, who has been fighting off nagging injuries this year, rushed for 138 yards on 21 carries, caught 2 passes for 43 yards, and scored 2 TD's. Many a fan on the Bakersfield Christian side of the field could be overheard saying, "that kid just doesn't go down." How true.
Mullen has scored 9 touchdowns in 2008, giving him a total of 28 touchdowns (19 TD's scored in 2007) during his two year varsity stay. He now ranks number #8 all-time for the Most Touchdowns Scored During A Varsity Career. Sitting at #7 is Al Muro (1953-55) who scored 31 TD's (current Warrior Nico Taliulu's grandfather).
Warriors at Taft Friday Night ...
Tehachapi will now travel into hostile territory to face the Taft Wildcats. The Warriors have not beaten Taft in the oil town since 1999. By contrast, Taft has not defeated the Warriors on the mountain since 1992. In-other-words, the home team really enjoys an advantage in this rivalry. Overall, the Warriors lead the series 10-7 in the "modern-era" dating back to 1990.
Taft coach Steve Sprague has to be scratching his head wondering what the new-look Warriors will bring to Taft this week? Will it be the running game or the passing game? The impressive passing totals against Bakersfield Christian will have opponents playing the Warrior offense a little more conservatively --- as opposed to stacking up against the run.
Around the SSL This Week ...
In other SSL games this Halloween night, BCHS (6-1; 2-0) will have their way with Shafter (1-6; 0-2) and Arvin (3-4; 1-1) will derail Wasco (3-4; 0-2).
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