Garcia’s Vandals Start Season Running
Eureka running back/linebacker Dustin Allen (26) looks in on Virginia City quarterback Zack Shell (33) during Eureka's 68-20 win Saturday.
With Coach Rod Garcia back at the helm after health issues kept him from the sideline most of the 2007 season, the Eureka Vandals opened 2008 at home against the Muckers of Virginia City. “After last year, it just feels great to be back on the sidelines again,” Garcia said with a big smile.
For Virginia City, in their second year as a program, this was their first trip to Eureka. For the Vandals, it was business as usual at home. The Muckers opening drive stalled after three plays as the Vandals hard hitting defense welcomed them to their turf. Eureka took over and willed their option ground attack on Virginia City. Their opening drive ended in the first of four rushing touchdowns in the 1st quarter which ended with Eureka in the lead at 30-0 and gaining 128 yards on the ground.
Virginia City’s defense seemed to settle into a rhythm in the second quarter and held the Vandal’s potent rushing attack to 59 yards on 9 carries and 1 touchdown. Their offense followed suit as they gained 81 rushing yards, most of which came on a 48 yard touchdown run by Heath Millum as he broke a few tackles then turned on the speed up the sideline. Halftime came with the home crowd enjoying a 38-6 lead.
The third quarter again found the Vandals hitting stride as they gained 118 yards on the ground and scored three short yardage touchdowns. Virginia City answered the Vandals first score of the quarter on the ensuing kickoff. The Muckers Millum again showed his speed as he took the kickoff 75 yards for the score.
With the new running clock rule being used when a team is ahead by 45 points, the fourth quarter came to a quick close as a total of only 18 plays were run. Both teams added one more touchdown to finalize the scoring at 68-20.
Following the game, Eureka coach Chris Davila said it was great to have Garcia back with them on the sideline. “Last year was pretty tough without him. But he’s back and this was a good win for us at home. We have a lot of work to do still. Nine penalties is definitely too much.”
Eureka (1-0) travels to Wells (1-0) on Friday night while Virginia City (0-1) gets to stay closer to home as they take on Pyramid Lake (0-1). Both games are scheduled to kick off at 7 PM.
Game notes: Eureka rushed for 341 yards and 8 TDs, with John Cavener rushing 13 times for 161 yards and 5 TDs while his backfield partner Dustin Allen gained 108 yards on 11 carries with 1 rushing td and one passing TD … Allen also led Eureka with 7 tackles and an interception … Virginia City’s QB Zack Shell and RB Heath Millum combined for 100 yards rushing and two TDs … Millum led the Muckers with 7 solo tackles … Hunter Redman had two sacks for Virginia City.
Tags: 1A, Eureka, football, Virginia City