DEFENSE SHUTS DOWN JV BEARS, BRAVES ROLL, 19-0, MOVE TO 8-0 (3-0 SSL)

Tehachapi's Jake Harris (#40) records a sack in first-half action.  Nick Engraf (#70) is shown in mid-air on the line of scrimmage.

TEHACHAPI NEWS - The Tehachapi High School Junior Varsity Team held Arvin to just 61 yards of total offense Friday to defeat the Bruins 19-0 and remain undefeated.  The victory improved the Braves record to 8-0 overall.

The Braves scored twice in the first half.  Gabe Bressler added the first and Alek Taliulu added the second.  Bressler finished the game with 74 yards rushing on 16 carries.

Tehachapi rushed for 96 yards in the first half while holding the Bears to just 46 yards on the ground.

In the third quarter, the Braves took a 19-0 lead when Josh Mendez socred from the four on a five-play drive that began at the THS 49.

Mendez was key to the drive when back-to-back runs of 24 and 26 yards to reach the four-yard line.  Mendez finished the game with 65 yards rushing.

The THS offense was led by QB Levi Lantz, who completed five of eight passes for 70 yards.

"We threw the ball well," said Braves Head Coach Ryan Grimes.  "(Lantz) did well with the play action pass to the flat.  He has done a good job all year.  He controls the team realy well."

Thre Braves' defense was impenetrable with Anthony Rodriquez leading the team with 10 tackles and two second-half sacks.  Taliulu logged a fumble recovery in the third and finished the game with seven tackles.  Nick Engraf had a solid second half, logging three unassisted tackles while Bressler was credited with four tackles.

"They have stepped up all year," Grimes said of the Tehachapi defense.

The Braves iced the game when Stefan Bekker intercepted an Arvin pass in the fourth quarter and Gabe Bressler blocked a Bears' punt on Arvin's next possession.

The Braves will host Shafter this Friday.  Kickoff is set for 5pm.

Gabe Bressler (#34) eludes his last tackler on the way to the endzone against the Bears.  Vincent Saavedra (#15) would take care of the last would-be defender in the secondary.