WILLITS >> Clear Lake running back Sam Long had a night to remember, rushing for 167 yards and five touchdowns as the Cardinals beat the Willits Wolverines 52-22 in a North Central League I varsity football game at Maize Field.
Long also returned a kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown as the Cardinals improved to 2-1 in league play and 3-1 overall. That’s double the number of league wins Clear Lake had in the last two seasons combined.
“Six touchdowns is no joke,” Clear Lake coach Mark Cory said. “It doesn’t happen often. I can’t remember the last time I had a player score six times.”
Clear Lake and Willits battled it out in the first half when 55 points were scored. The Cardinals led 33-22 at halftime and then shut out the Wolverines (0-2, 0-4) in the second half.
“Our defense played much better in the second half,” Cory said.
While the Cardinals didn’t take advantage of all the opportunities that presented themselves, according to Cory, Clear Lake’s first-year coach was pleased with the overall effort and the outcome.
“Bottom line is we closed the door on them and got a win … a league win,” he said.
Long’s rushing TDs came on runs of 4 and 53 yards in the first half, and 11, 7 and 29 yards in the second half.
His long kickoff return followed a Willits touchdown in the second quarter.
“He’s one of those kids when he shows up for a game he’s ready to go,” Cory said.
Clear Lake finished with 355 yards of total offense. Of that, quarterback Alex Adams completed 6 of 12 passes for 158 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown strike to Brandon Orzco (three catches for 121 yards).
The Cardinals’ defense forced four turnovers and had three sacks.
