WILLITS — Ward Beecher rushed for 180 yards, four more touchdowns and a conversion on Friday night as the undefeated Upper Lake Cougars rolled past the Willits Wolverines 42-0 in a North Central League I interlock junior varsity football game at Willits.
Willits marched to near midfield on its first possession before giving up the ball. Upper Lake (7-0) then drove down the field for a touchdown and never looked back.
One of the momentum-shifting plays occurred in the first half when Upper Lake defensive tackle KJ Anderson leveled the Willits quarterback, causing a fumble that linebacker Alex Castillo scooped up and returned 35 yards for a touchdown.
Willits crossed midfield only once — as the result of a penalty — and a running clock was used in the second half.
Joey Valdez rushed for 75 yards and a touchdown.
Castillo had four tackles and an interception to go along with his fumble recovery for a touchdown. Wesley Thaxton led the Cougars with seven tackles.
Beehcer has 1,217 yards on the season.
Upper Lake hosts Clear Lake (2-0, 5-2) in NCL I South action Saturday at noon.
