By Walter Bays
Football fans at Carlsbad were treated to two very different games as the Lancers defeated visiting Torrey Pines 35-14.
The first half was a defensive battle in which Carlsbad was 3 for 5 and 24 yards passing and 126 yards total offense, while the Falcons, who were clearly missing some key players, were 0 for 2 passing and just 37 yards of offense.
Torrey Pines held Carlsbad to just a 7-0 deficit through special teams play, booming punts, good punt coverage, a 27-yard kickoff return by Nicholas Bradshaw, and a blocked field goal.
The second half was an offensive show. Torrey Pines had two 80-yard touchdown drives, with quarterback Caden Kelley going 7 of 9 for 160 yards, connecting with several receivers, notably Michael Gadinas who had a 60-yard catch and run and a 14-yard touchdown strike.
Unfortunately for Torrey Pines, the Lancers must have also made second-half adjustments, as QB Shea Morales completed 8 of 9 passes for 167 yards and Carlsbad picked up another 87 yards on the ground. In six second-half possessions, the Lancers scored four times including a 73-yard touchdown run, a 42-yard pass setting up a touchdown, and a 24-yard touchdown run.
The Falcons’ record falls to 1-5 as they host the 4-2 Oceanside Pirates at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17.
