THS BREAKS THE 'STANGS  Warriors collect seven turnovers to keep Stockdale winless

Posted 09-23-06

TEHACHAPI NEWS - The Tehachapi defense rose to the occasion in a big way for the third straight week, forcing seven turnovers overall in a 35-12 homecoming night drubbing over the favored Stockdale Mustangs.

Tehachapi (2-2) received a boost on Stockdale’s (0-4) first play from scrimmage, when a bobbled snap between the Mustang quarterback Brian Anderson and running back Edward Webber resulted in a fumble, which was alertly recovered by the Warriors’ Garrett Coontz at the Stockdale 26-yard line.

Six plays later, with one of plays a converted fourth down on an Alek Taliulu 10-yard run, Tehachapi’s Gabe Bressler helped the Warriors draw first blood with a one-yard touchdown and a 6-0 lead.

On the ensuing Stockdale possession, Tehachapi forced a fourth down and long situation for Stockdale at the Warrior 45-yard line, but an all-out rush by Tehachapi left receivers open in the flat, and the Mustang punter lobbed the football in the air for a wide open pass-and-catch for a score and a 6-6 tie.

Tehachapi countered the touchdown with their most impressive drive of the night, logging four first downs and capping it with a one yard run on fourth and goal to retake the lead. Alek Taliulu was found open on a quarterback roll-out by Levi Lantz for the successful two-point conversion and a 14-6 lead.

With Stockdale driving on their next series, Warrior defensive back Stefan Bekker, who was selected as the KERN 1410 player of the game, alertly read a Stockdale QB keeper deep in Tehachapi territory, laying a hit that jarred the ball loose. Josh Schulgen then scooped up the pig skin at the Tehachapi 29-yard line and raced 71 yards for a Tehachapi touchdown. After a Bekker extra point, Tehachapi was on top 21-6.

The Warriors reeled in two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter when Louis James had runs of 25 and 5 yards to put the game out of reach.

Tehachapi’s defense sacked Stockdale’s quarterback four times, collecting four fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and a muffed punt return recovery in the third quarter.

The Warriors will be on the road this week against Roosevelt-Fresno (0-4), who lost a 34-0 decision to Chowchilla last Friday night. The game will be played at McLane High School, with the kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m.

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It was a night to remember for Tehachapi's 2006 Homecoming.  One of the former alumni in attendance was Corey Costelloe, the play-by-play announcer for KERN 1410 radio that was announcing the Stockdale-Tehachapi game as the 'game of the week' on the AM dial. As a token of appreciation for Corey's effort as a Warrior from 1996-1997, the class of '98 alumni was present a Warrior Football mini-helmet from Athletic Director Dennis Costa at halftime.  Good seeing you home, Corey!

Be sure to tune in frequently to get the latest new, highlights, and commentary!  Be sure to check out the Central Valley Sports chat room forum at some point this year...and don't forget to follow statistical highlights on all Warrior sports on maxpreps.  On maxpreps, a link to each Tehachapi sport can be found by scrolling on the left-hand side of the page.  Thanks to all of you for logging in and supporting Tehachapi High School Warrior athletics!

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