The Bears’ energy led to a hot start, as they kicked off to the Dolores Huerta Prep Scorpions to open the game. And on the Scorpions’ third offensive play, Dolores junior Justin Purkat picked off quarterback Pedro Hernandez to give the Bears possession.
Four plays later, sophomore Skieler Grooms scampered into the end zone from seven yards out to put the Bears ahead 6-0.
Grooms came up big again on the Scorpions’ ensuing possession, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Dolores senior Tristan Medina. And after gains on the ground by Grooms, Logan Fuller and Austin Hackney – and a 16-yard pickup through the air from Purkat to Medina – Dolores struck again on a 1-yard QB sneak by Purkat to jump ahead 12-0.
The two teams were scoreless in the second quarter. And although Purkat was picked off on the Bears’ first drive of the second half, the Dolores defense shut down any real threat of a score by the Scorpions.
“There were definitely several moments in the game where Dolores Huerta was starting to drive the ball on us,” said Dolores head coach Chris Trusler. “And I remember at one time I called a timeout and told the defense, ‘They’re not going to score on us today, let’s get the ball back.’ And in one instance, they did that and created a turnover on the next play.”
In the third quarter, the Scorpions were able to put together a solid drive and found themselves in the red zone. However, a botched handoff led to a turnover, with Fuller falling on the loose ball and returning possession to Dolores.
The Bears capitalized on the takeaway, putting together an 83-yard drive that was capped off by a 24-yard rushing TD by Purkat to put the Bears ahead three scores, 18-0.
They would add two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter. First, when Purkat rolled out to his left and hit a crossing Medina, who took it the rest of the way for the score. And then on a pick six by Matt McCoy to finalize the scoring and claim the 34-0 victory for the Bears.
The Dolores offense pounded away on the ground, finishing with 233 total rushing yards. The attack was led by Purkat and Grooms, with Purkat rushing seven times for 76 yards and two scores and Grooms finishing with 11 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown.
But they also had success through the air, mostly on play-action plays with Purkat rolling out and finding open receivers.
Medina was the go-to guy through the air, finishing with 8 catches for 138 yards and a touchdown. And Grooms chipped in with 3 catches for 19 yards.
Purkat was an efficient 10 for 17 for 154 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT.
“Justin Purkat has gotten better every week at quarterback,” said Trusler. “His passing efficiency keeps getting better and he is getting more relaxed in the pocket.”
Purkat also shined on defense, coming up with 2 picks. And freshman Bryan Escarcega got a nod from the head coach after finishing with 8 total tackles and 2 tackles for loss.
“Brian Escarcega had a good game defensively,” Trusler said of the freshman. “And he’s getting better on the offensive line and D-line as well”
Sophomore Forest Pejsa led the Bears with 14 total tackles. And he currently leads the 1A Southern Peaks League in tackles and is seventh in the state across all classifications.
The Bears (2-1) are back at home on Friday for their homecoming game against Whitehorse (1-2) at 7 p.m.