UPPER LAKE — Ward Beecher took a stroll through the St. Vincent defense on Saturday, rushing for 393 yards on only 15 carries as the Upper Lake High School junior varsity football team beat the Mustangs 34-20 in the North Central League I South opener for both clubs at Upper Lake.
Though the Record-Bee doesn”t keep official records for JV players, the highest single-game total by a varsity player is 389 yards by Kelseyville”s Jared Holley against Fort Bragg in 1998. He had 38 carries and scored four times.
Beecher scored five touchdowns as the Cougars improved to a Lake County-best 5-1. His longest runs were 48, 56, 60 and 75 yards.
While Upper Lake”s defense allowed the most points it has all season, the offense also scored the most thanks in large part to the freshman Beecher, who is only 13.
Upper Lake outscored St. Vincent 20-0 in the second half to snap a 14-14 halftime tie.
Leaders on defense for the Cougars were Bradley Brackett with 10 unassisted tackles, Stoney Timmons with eight unassisted tackles and Joe Valdez with two sacks.
Upper Lake players wore pink ribbons for the second week in a row in support of breast cancer awareness month.
The Cougars have allowed only 40 points in six games. They host Willits in NCL I interlock action this Saturday at noon.
