By Jon Charron
Led by a strong running game and a stingy defense, the Pacific Grove Breakers defeated Watsonville High Wildcatz 39-16 Friday night, Sept. 5.
After receiving the opening kickoff, the Breakers drove right down the field and scored a touchdown when starting quarterback Anthony Coppla connected with wide receiver John Buttrey. The Breakers kept it going on Watsonville’s first possession when defensive back James Donlan scooped up a fumble and returned for another score making it 12-0.
Early in the second quarter, running back Jason Leach finished another Breaker drive with a 2 yard touchdown run making it 18-0. The defense was not to be outdone however: after a second Watsonville fumble, Noah Ryan recovered it and took it back for another Breaker touchdown.
Just before halftime, Watsonville finally put a drive together. However, with only a few seconds left, they missed a 23 yard field goal attempt, keeping the score 25-0 at the half.
The teams traded possessions in the third with Watsonville getting into Breaker territory as the quarter ended. Watsonville kicked a 37 yard field goal to start the fourth and finally get on the board. On the Breakers’ next possession, Leach took the hand-off and ran it 61 yards for his second rushing touchdown of the game. It put the Breakers up 32-3.
Late in the fourth, Watsonville scored two touchdowns to make it 32-16. With just under two minutes remaining, Leach took the hand-off and sprinted down the left side line 80 yards to put the icing on the cake.
Breakers pose for a victory portrait after the game. (Jon Charron)
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final | |
| Pacific Grove | 12 | 13 | 0 | 14 | 39 |
| Watsonville | 0 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 16 |
Jason Leach – 10 carries for 234 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Anthony Coppla – 6 carries for 88 yards, 80 yards passing, and 1 touchdown.
John Buttrey – 3 catches, 58 yards, and 1 touchdown.
James Donlan – 15 yard fumble recovery for touchdown.
Noah Ryan – 38 yard fumble recovery for touchdown.
The Breakers (1-0) will play their next game against Monte Vista Christian School (1-0) in Watsonville on Friday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Follow me on Twitter @jonwaynecharron
