COD (4-4; 2-1) scored on their opening drive going on a 19-0 run, then the Roadrunners had to hold on for dear life, but they eventually knocked off the San Diego Mesa Olympians (2-6; 0-3), 32-21.

On their third play from scrimmage, the Roadrunners put up six points as freshman quarterback Darius Hulsey (Thermal Coachella Valley) launched a rocket to sophomore running back Anthony Ellison (Banning H.S.) who scampered 50 yards through the Olympians defense, rumbling his way into the end zone. After an extra point kick, Desert took a 7-0 lead.

The Desert defense would come up huge later in the first quarter as the Olympians fumbled a punt return, which was recovered by sophomore linebacker Brayden Bailey (St. George (UT) Desert Hills), putting the Roadrunners on the Mesa 31 yard line. Moments later, Desert found themselves at 4th and goal at the 1 yard line and freshman full back Benjamin Myles (Palatka, FL) would not be denied as he pounded the rock into the end zone for six points. A two-point conversion attempt was picked off in the end zone, with that, Desert took a 13-0 lead.

Early in the second quarter, freshman running back Kamone Best (Goldsboro (NC) Eastern Wayne) began to find his stride, as he darted 29 yards to pay dirt, after a failed 2-point pass attempt, Desert still held a 19-0 lead. Best would collect 14 carries for 115 yards and two scores on the night.

Just before halftime, Mesa would score on a 47 yard slant-and-run passing play, giving the Olympians some points on the board before the horn sounded. The Roadrunners would take a 19-7 lead at the break with the hunger and fire for more at the beginning of the second half.

The ferocious Desert defense did more damage in the second half as they struck on the third drive of the third quarter. After pummeling the Olympians quarterback, he fumbled the ball, which was immediately scooped up and after rolling 45 yards into the end zone, freshman linebacker Adrian Guzman (La Quinta H.S.) had a score on the board. Yet, with another missed 2-point conversion pass attempt, Desert still held a commanding 25-7 lead.

On the very next drive, the Desert defense struck again, this time sophomore defensive back Corey Dalton (Midlothian (IL) Bremen) snagged his 6th interception of the season. With momentum carrying the day, Best once again carried the rock, with his offensive line opening gigantic holes, he would score on a 31 yard rush, giving Desert a 32-7 lead.

Photo by Wade Byars
Information, Photos & Story provided by COD Sports Information.