Carroll P. Matherne
November 25, 2008
RoseMary Smith Giron
November 28, 2008
The Patterson Lumberjacks traveled to Westlake Friday night hoping to extract revenge for 36-7 lost in last season’s semifinals.
Instead, they managed to lose by one fewer point as the Rams routed Patterson 35-7, ending the Lumberjacks’ season in the regional round of the Class 3A playoffs.
“Westlake did a good job controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball,” said Patterson head coach Tommie Minton. “They were able to run the ball while keeping our running game in check.”
Patterson sophomore tailback Kenny Hilliard had 111 yards on 28 carries. Unlike most Patterson opponents who stack eight or nine defenders in the box (within four yards of the line of scrimmage), Westlake took away Hilliard’s big-play ability with their regular front seven.
Meanwhile, the Rams rushing attack compiled 385 yards and five touchdowns.
On the second play of the game, Ram running back Terence Cahee broke a 73-yard touchdown run. Cahee finished with 178 yards on seven carries.
“That play broke their back right there,” said Westlake head coach Max Caldarera.
Ram tailback Vinny Collins accounted for 112 yards and four touchdowns on 22 carries.
Patterson’s sole score came in the second quarter on a 46-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Terrance Johnson to Josh Naverro. Johnson completed 21-of-33 for 197 yards.
“They (Westlake) did a good job taking away the yards after the catch,” Minton said. “They gave us the underneath passing routes and made tackles.”
Despite what the final score indicates, Minton said his club was more competitive Friday night than in last year’s contest.
They just did not take advantage of critical opportunities.
“Last year they jumped on us from the start. This was competitive ballgame for three quarters,” he said. “We had our opportunities. In the first half, we had three possessions inside the 25-yard line and didn’t come away with any points. They made plays and we didn’t.”
Overall, Minton views the 2008 season as a success.
Considering that eight of his 22 starters were freshmen or sophomores, they yet won the 7-3A District title and got to the second round of the playoffs. He got a lot out of some very young players.
The future looks bright for Patterson. The squad will only lose 11 seniors to graduation. However that class will take a lot of wins and experience with them.
“I’m proud of our seniors. In their fours years here, they compiled a 39-13 record and won three district championships,” Minton said. “Fifty-two games in four years is a lot of football.”
Johnson, an All-State honorable mention selection in 2007, will be the most difficult player to replace not just because of his talent, but the intangibles he brought to the team.
“When you get a player of his caliber, it’s always hard to replace him. Not to mention he’s such as good leader,” Minton said. “That’s definitely going to be a critical position for us to fill.”
The Rams’ defense kept Kenny Hilliard from making game-breaking runs. Hilliard finished with 111 yards on 28 carries. * Photo by KAREN WINK • American Press
