Wolves continue championship quest

PHIL NELSON THE TRINITY JOURNAL Wolves quarterback Justin Jeangerard prepares for the handoff to the running back during Friday's semifinal playoff action. The Trinity High School Wolves beat back the Live Oak Lions and the elements Friday to capture the NSCIF football semifinal matchup, 33-6, propelling them into the Division 3 championship game.

The Wolves will host the Colusa Cougars at 7 p.m. today, Nov. 25.

Rain, sleet or snow could not stop the fans from packing the stands Friday as the Wolves went into the playoffs by receiving the kickoff from the Lions. Dakota Hayward grabbed the ball for an 8-yard return, and then Justin Jeangerard handed the ball to Luke Curran for another 8-yard run. With eight minutes on the clock, Jeangerard threw a 37-yard pass to connect with Jerad Harris for the Wolves' first touchdown, but the extra point was no good.

In the kickoff return, Live Oak ran the ball 65 yards but was stopped on the 11-yard line by Jeangerard. Due to a flag on the play it was returned to Live Oak's 20-yard line. Trinity's defense held the Lions to regain the ball, but fumbled and Live Oak regained possession to end the first quarter.

With Live Oak in possession of the ball, Trinity knocked the ball out of the Lions' hands on a fumble and recovered the ball on their own 37-yard line. Jacob Hymas ran the ball up the middle for a 5-yard gain, and Jeangerard tried a pass to Harris which was incomplete. The Wolves tried for a field goal, but it was no good. Trinity then held the Lions before regaining the ball. Curran picked up 23 yards on the punt return and ran the ball in for a 40-yard touchdown and the 2-point conversion. At the kickoff, the Lions tried to advance down the field but the defense stopped them cold. Hymas intercepted the ball to run 48 yards and put the Wolves back in scoring distance, but Live Oak picked off a throw intended for Harris to end the second quarter 14-0.

In the third quarter, with Live Oak receiving the ball, Paul Kang got to the 7-yard line before Beau Prest took him down. The Lions later got by to score a touchdown, pulling to within 8 points. It was as close as the Lions would get, and the quarter ended 14-6 Trinity.

The fourth quarter found Harris intercepting a pass by the Lions, a 90-yard pick-6 for a touchdown, but Jeangerard's extra point was no good. As Trinity kicked off, they recovered a fumble at their own 1-yard line and Curran ran the ball the next play for another Wolfpack touchdown; the Lions stopped the 2-point conversion.

Later in the quarter, Trinity's Scott Barcelona recovered a fumbled punt on the 30-yard line, and then Hymas took the ball up the middle for a gain of 28 yards. Harris made the last touchdown, with Jeangerard kicking in the extra point to end the game 33-6.

Jeangerard completed two of nine attempts for 55 yards. Hymas led the night with 136 yards rushing and Curran had 98 yards. Harris and Hayward each had one reception. Fiermonte had a great night with 12 tackles and two assists. Harris and Moreno each posted an interception. Total scoring: Harris 18, Jeangerard 3 and Curran 12.

Season averages per game: Rushing, Curran 125.2 yards; passing, Jeangerard 84.7 yards; tackles, Fiermonte 10.1; sacks, Sharp 0.8; points, Curran 9.6.

Player of the week per Maxpreps. com was Jerad Harris.