Carpinteria quarterback Ian Craddock watches running back Jonathan Esqueda find a gaping hole for a big gain in Friday’s game against Fillmore. (Presidio Sports Photos)
Carpinteria’s defense forced four turnovers and recorded a shutout in Friday night’s 27-0 non-league win over Fillmore at Carpinteria Valley Memorial Stadium.
The Warrior defense, which has allowed just six points in its past two games, came up with three interceptions and a fumble recovery.
In its past four games – all wins – the Carpinteria defense has totaled 20 turnovers.
After the game, Warriors head coach Ben Hallock tipped his hat to his defensive coordinator.
Carpinteria defensive back Marcus Hutchinson runs back an interception to the Fillmore 1-yard line to set up a touchdown for the Warriors.
“Coach Candaele put together a great plan,” Hallock said. “We worked real hard to get where we needed to be. This was going to be a real test for us because the wing-T requires that we play a real disciplined defense.”
Two interceptions were made by Marcus Hutchinson, one of which he returned 49 yards to set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Ian Craddock.
“I love our defense,” Hutchinson said. “Our defense is really strong. We’re a big family on defense. We all have each other’s back.”
Anthony Graham was connected to the other turnovers, recording an interception and a fumble recovery.
On offense, running back Jonathan Esqueda was extremely effective, collecting 132 yards on 13 carries. His big gains included a 55-yard run in the third quarter and a 20-yard scoring run in the second quarter.
Peter Ramos scored Carpinteria’s first touchdown on a one-yard plunge in the first quarter and Paul Cortez added his own 2-yard TD run in the second quarter. Craddock’s touchdown came in the third quarter.
Fillmore (4-2) came into the game having won four straight while scoring 174 points in those games.
The Flashes had difficulty sustaining any sort of drive. The closest Fillmore came to scoring was late in the second quarter. On the ninth play of their longest drive, the Flashes snapped the ball on Carpinteria’s 25-yard line when Hutchinson grabbed his first interception.
Carpinteria (4-2) has won four straight and hosts Bishop Diego (5-0) in its Tri-Valley League opener next Friday.
CARPINTERIA 27, FILLMORE 0
FIRST QUARTER
0:48 – Ramos 1-yard run (Craddock 2 pt.)
SECOND QUARTER
6:40 – Cortez 2-yard run (2 pt. failed)
2:46 – Esqueda 20-yard run (Craddock PAT)
THIRD QUARTER
11:04 – Craddock 1-yard run (PAT failed)
