Josh Bartley’s 253-yard night was more than Santa Barbara High’s football team could handle on Friday night, as Dos Pueblos’ senior tailback carried the Chargers past the Dons 20-12 in a pivotal Channel League contest.
Bartley had big runs of 38, 28, and 45 yards in the game, and added a 29-yard touchdown run for good measure. Bartley also intercepted a pass on defense in the fourth quarter, shutting down the Dons’ final drive.
Bartley added a reception for another five yards.
Bartley is the reigning Channel League MVP but has struggled at times this season with injury and a tough schedule.
“He had the game that I think he deserved to have all season long,” said Chargers head coach Jeff Uyesaka. “I’d have to say, I’m just really proud of him and I know he’s a gracious guy. He’s one of the nicest guys you’ll talk to.”
Dos Pueblos senior Josh Bartley tore up the turf at Peabody Stadium with 253 yards rushing on Friday night. (Presidio Sports Photos)
DP’s victory puts the Chargers in a great position to make the postseason after a winless preseason.
“We’re not thinking about those (losses),” said Nico Bornand, who caught a TD pass from Armando Arzate and kicked a pair of field goals in the fourth quarter.
“We’re just having our mind ahead.”
Now the Chargers (2-7) can clinch a playoff spot by defeating San Marcos next Thursday.
The Dons (4-5) had hoped they would be the ones playing for a playoff berth next week in their game against Buena.
“They took our shot at playoffs. That’s the way it goes when it comes to league,” said Santa Barbara High junior Emilio Gonzalez.
Dons quarterback Shawn Ramos completed seven passes to Emilio Gonzalez in the second half and threw a touchdown pass to James Stevens.
Gonzalez caught 11 passes for 150 yards for the Dons, who struggled to get their running game going behind standout sophomore Cheroke Cunningham.
“No. 11 (Gonzalez), he earned my respect tonight. If there was one player on Santa Barbara that earned my respect it was No. 11,” Uyesaka said, adding praise for the throws from Dons quarterback Shawn Ramos in the second half.
Cunningham, who had collected 1100 rushing yards in eight games prior, could only muster 15 yards on the ground. With the Dons trailing 17-6 in the fourth quarter, Santa Barbara abandoned the run and Cunningham only saw one carry in the final frame. In fact, Cunningham saw more targets through the air than handoffs in the second half.
The Dons’ one touchdown was a 14-yard pass from Ramos to James Stevens that made the score 17-12. An unsuccessful 2-point conversion kept the Dons at a touchdown’s distance.
The Chargers received the kickoff with 7:37 remaining in the game. A nine-play drive full of running plays ate up over four minutes of clock, and Dos Pueblos pocketed a 27-yard field goal from Bornand for an eight-point lead.
“They held it good. Our O-line gave me plenty of time to kick… I’m just proud of our team,” Bornand said.
Santa Barbara was very much alive, especially after Bradford Jellison returned DP’s kickoff 35 yards. But Bartley came down with the interception on the next play on a deep pass down the sideline intended for Cunningham.
“I’ll give the credit to DP, they played good,” Gonzales said.
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DOS PUEBLOS 20, SANTA BARBARA 12
Dos Pueblos 0 7 7 6 – 20
Santa Barbara 0 6 0 6 – 12
2nd QUARTER
9:29 – SB Medina 31-yard FG
0:42 – SB Medina 35-yard FG
0:08 – DP Bartley 29-yard TD run (Bornand kick)
3rd QUARTER
5:05 – DP Bornand 30-yard catch from Azarte (Bornand kick)
4th QUARTER
10:44 – DP Bornand 20-yard FG
7:37 – SB Stevens 14-yard catch from Ramos (2 pt. no good)
3:08 – DP Bornand 27-yard FG
GO CHARGERS!!!!!!
Lots of DP fans made the trek to SB and make a lot of noise and had the last laugh on the Dons and their rude half time homecoming master of ceremonies who talked big about how the Dons were going to give the Chargers a good drubbing. And he was saying all this when the Chargers were winning 7-6 at the half.
Final score–Dos Pueblos20, Santa Barbara 12.
DP Scoring hilites
GO CHARGERS!!!