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Saturday, Nov. 07, 2009

Football: Merced streakin' again with win over Turlock

Fresh off having its 21-game Central California Conference unbeaten streak snapped, it didn't take Merced long to start a new one.

And with its best offensive weapon, Eric DeAnda, relegated to sidelines on Friday night.

In the end, it made little difference.

The Merced offense racked up 214 first-half yards, the defense and special teams each added a touchdown and Merced cruised to a 41-14 victory over Turlock at Stadium '76.

"Last week was tough, but we came together in practice this week and decided the CCC title was still ours," Merced quarterback Rudy Monteon said. "We wanted to get up early and get everyone in the game and we were able to do that."

Rob Scheidt's much-maligned offense was efficient early, needing just nine plays to build a 14-7 first-quarter lead.

Merced (4-1 CCC, 4-5) marched 60 yards in six plays with Andrew Mendoza punching in a 1-yard run on its opening drive.

After Turlock answered with a Kevin Kramer touchdown pass, Merced used just three plays to go back on top.

Monteon hit Juan Valencia with a 34-yard pass to give Merced a first-and-goal at the Turlock 5-yard line.

Jaquari People then took an end-around 5 yards for the score.

People struck again less than two minutes later, blocking a Turlock punt attempt.

Nick Zamora recovered the ball and ran 1-yard for the score to make it 20-7.

Despite the fast start, Turlock (0-5, 0-9) wasn't ready to concede just yet.

Kramer broke a 63-yard scoring run in the second quarter to make it 20-14.

A failed Merced fake punt gave the ball right back to Turlock, but the Merced defense forced Kramer to fumble.

Five plays later, Monteon found Marques Barron for an 18-yard touchdown pass just before the half to break Turlock's spirit.

Monteon added a 63-yard TD run in the third quarter and Barron recovered a fumbled snap in the end zone to put the game away.

"The guys came out and did a lot of things well tonight," Scheidt said. "It's not an easy game to get up for, but it was a must-win, so I was pleased with how we responded."

Central California Conference

MERCED 41, TURLOCK 14

At Merced College

Turlock 7 7 0 0 -- 14

Merced 20 7 14 0 -- 41

First Quarter

M -- Andrew Mendoza 1 run (Jose Mena kick)

T -- Manuel Huesca 5 pass from Kevin Kramer (Sean Badiou kick)

M -- Jaquori People 5 run (Mena kick)

M -- Nick Zamora 1 block punt return (Run failed)

Second Quarter

T -- Kramer 63 run (Badiou kick)

M -- Marques Barron 18 pass from Rudy Monteon (Mena kick)

Third Quarter

M -- Monteon 63 run (Mena kick)

M -- Barron 0 fumble return (Mena kick)

Records: Turlock 0-5 CCC, 0-9; Merced 4-1 CCC; 4-5.