FORT BRAGG — Losing running backs Troy Davis and Steven Grossner to injuries early in the first quarter didn”t help on Friday night as the Kelseyville Knights fell 62-19 to Fort Bragg at Timberwolf Stadium.
It was the North Central League I North opener for both of these varsity football teams.
Davis sustained an ankle injury and Grossner aggravated a knee injury. Before the Knights (0-1 North, 2-3-1 overall) could get out of the quarter, middle linebacker J.J. Pine also sustained an injury and had to leave the game.
“Once those kids got hurt and were out of there, we couldn”t stop them,” Kelseyville coach Thad Owens said. “We just don”t have the depth.”
Fort Bragg (1-0, 5-1) led 14-0 after one quarter, 28-12 at halftime and 49-19 after three quarters.
“They are an awesome team,” Owens said of the Timberwolves, who gave longtime head coach Jack Moyer his 200th career win. “Fort Bragg is one solid football team.”
All three of the Knights” touchdowns came on pass plays and all three involved Mike Duman, who caught 21- and 10-yard TD passes in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Duman”s 43-yard halfback-option pass to Chris Lopez provided the Knights with their final score.
Duman also had both of Kelseyville”s interceptions.
With Grossner and Troy Davis out of the game, the bulk of the Knights” carries went to Morgan Nelson, who had 62 yards on 15 carries, and Nick Rodriguez, who had 50 yards on 13 carries.
