PREP FOOTBALL 2016: Petaluma keeps shutout streak alive against El Molino

Petaluma High’s football Trojans won both the game and the game within the game Friday night, bringing El Molino’s Lions back to reality, 35-0.

Once the game’s outcome had been determined, a decision that took only a quarter to be rendered, the Trojans’ focus turned to continuing an three-game shutout string, a streak they were determined to extend and El Molino was equally dedicated to end.

The Lions roared onto Petaluma’s Steve Ellison Field with a 3-0 Sonoma County League record (4-3 overall) and visions of an unbeaten vs. unbeaten league showdown with rival Analy dancing in their helmets.

It took six minutes, 58 seconds for the Trojans to dash the Lion dreams. That’s how long it took for Petaluma to methodically march 68 yards for the game’s first touchdown following the opening kickoff.

Petaluma had to overcome two penalties on the drive, a deficit it made up with a 33-yard pass connection from Justin Wolbert to Dominic Christobal. The touchdown came on a 1-yard plunge by Wolbert.

“That first drive was important,” said Petaluma coach Rick Krist. “It gave us momentum and set them back a little.”

When Erick Diaz broke loose for a 69-yard touchdown burst in Petaluma’s next drive, the game was pretty well decided.

“When he was given the opportunity, he has really stepped up.” Krist said of the junior. “He had a big run against Healdsburg last week.”

Diaz’s spectacular run made the first-quarter count 14-0. Another Trojan explosion, this one of 65 yards by Chrisbobal, and a pass reception touchdown of 17 yards by Hayden Fehler upped the Petaluma lead to 28-0 by halftime.

Fehler’s catch provided instant redemption for the junior receiver who, just the play before the score, dropped a perfect pass from Wolbert as he stood lonesome behind just six yards from the end zone.

On the next play, Wolbert lofted a high fade that Fehler climbed an invisible ladder to grab over the head of a Lion defender for the touchdown.

Petaluma cleared its bench in the second half, but still managed a final touchdown on a 23-yard burst by Christobal after El Molino fumbled away the half-starting kickoff, and Diaz recovered for the Trojans.

Most of the second half was spent with Petaluma reserves trying to protect the shutout streak, and El Molino determined to blink its side of the scoreboard.

Petaluma managed to hold the Lions at bay, but it took a touch of luck.

With time running out, El Molino began a march from its own 47-yard line following a short Trojan punt. The Lions roared goalward, getting 28-yards on a screen pass from Avery Ransome to Jack Fricker and another 20 on a sweep. El Molino advanced to the Trojan 4-yard line before it was shoved back to the 8 on a third-down play.

On fourth-and-6, Fricker tried a 25-yard field goal to snap the Trojan shutout streak. His boot had plenty of leg, but drifted to the left, finally floating just far enough to strike the goal post and drop outside the goal.

The Trojans celebrated.

Krist said the celebration was justified because it was the result of an entire team effort, including the bench players.

“The most important thing is that we did it as a team,” he said. “It would have been hollow if we had kept our starting group on the field, but everyone played and everyone contributed. They were all a part of it.”

The coach said the shutout streak started up front. “Our linebackers and defensive line are much improved,” he explained. “They are the most improved part of our team. John Crudo (defensive coordinator) and his staff have done an unbelievable job with our defense.”

Offensively, the Trojans rushed for 319 time-consuming yards, with Christobal speeding his way to 140 and two touchdowns. Diaz gained 70 on two long runs and Richardson muscled up the middle for 42.

Key to the Trojan running success was a dominating offensive line anchored by center Nick Dooley and the left side of guard Eric Coates and tackle Luke Haggard.