The Big Game turned into the Big Blowout.

Despite a valiant effort from Santa Maria High School's football team, the Saints just couldn't stop the Righetti Warriors that - for this night, at least - turned into an offensive juggernaut.

When the dust settled, Righetti had run away with a 47-7 victory in the 43rd annual Big Game Friday night at Warriors Stadium.

The kids played well," said Righetti head coach Gary Wilson. "We're really excited about the way the team stepped up tonight in a big way."

The Warriors' workhorse of a running back, Chad Stephens, led the way with another fantastic night - 240 yards on 25 carries and five touchdowns. This was on top of the 304 yards on 42 carries that Stephens gained in last week's game at Villa Park.

"You've got to give credit to the offensive line," said Stephens. "They adjusted very well to a different kind of defense than we'd seen."

Quarterback Trevor Elswick completed 10 of 14 passing attempts, good for 176 yards.

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Wide receiver/punt returner Adam Wilson chipped in 165 yards on eight receptions.

And the Righetti defense found its footing Friday night.

After giving up 42 points last week to Villa Park, the Warriors (1-1) shut down a Saints (1-1) offense that rolled up 39 points in last week's season opening victory over Mission Prep.

"The defense really stepped it up," said Stephens. "And the special teams - you've got to give them a lot of credit, they gave us great field position all night. And don't forget (fullback) Abel Salazar. He did some great blocking tonight."

After receiving the game-opening kickoff, the Warriors quickly marched down field with a four play, 71-yard scoring drive - capped off by Stephens' first touchdown, a 14-yard scoring scamper.

Elswick caught the Saints off guard on the first play of that drive with a quick strike to Wilson that was good for 39 yards, getting the ball down to the Saints' 22 yard line.

Then came the ground game, with Stephens, Salazar and the Warriors' offensive line pounding the ball straight ahead - culminating with Stephens' first TD.

Martin Luque's point after kick was good and Righetti was up 7-0 just 1:32 into the game.

"You have to give credit to our offensive and defensive lines," said Wilson. "Tim Moody, Daniel Easly, Eric Jones, Adrian Ruiz and Wade Batchlor - Batchlor is a two-way player, a real leader in the huddle."

The Saints - who promised a wide open attack this season - came out in a four wide receiver set when they got the ball.

With Santa Maria quarterback Daniel Gauna operating from a shotgun formation all night, the Saints split two receivers wide left and two wide right all night - keeping just one running back, either Angel Espinoza or Gabriel Rodriguez, in the backfield with Gauna.

The plan didn't fool the Righetti defense.

Gauna put up 13 passes on the night but was able to complete only one - a four-yarder to Jason Balewa in the second quarter.

Santa Maria ran out of the shotgun formation 42 times - including 18 quarterback draws and 10 attempts by both Espinoza and Rodriguez - but could only pick up 158 yards on the ground.

The Saints didn't pick up their first first down until the first play of the second quarter.

By then, Righetti had marched down the field and missed a 36 yard field goal attempt - then marched right back down the field on a 7-play, 65-yard drive that ended with Stephens' second TD - a four yard run - and Luque's second PAT for a 14-0 lead with :25-seconds left in the first quarter.

Stephens picked up his third TD - on a 5-yard run - with 8:39 left in the second quarter, his fourth - an 11-yard run - with 1:43 left in the half and his fifth - a 6-yard run - with 8:00 left in the third quarter and his night was over.

"It was a fun game, especially because of the crosstown rivalry," said Stephens.

By then, Righetti had a 33-0 lead and coach Wilson brought in the second team.

Righetti added touchdowns by running back Ryan Switzer - a 5-yarder - and a 45-yard dance down the sideline by backup quarterback Kevin Dwyer in the last seconds of the game to close out the scoring.

The Saints managed to get on the board late in the game when Rodriguez raced in from the 15 yard line with 8:31 remaining in the game.

The Warriors head to Huyck Stadium next Friday night to take on the Lompoc Braves.

The Saints have next week off. The host Atascadero on September 23 for their next game.

Sept. 10, 2005