Bearcats light it up in win vs. Warriors

PASO ROBLES - Once the fuse was lit, Righetti was in trouble Friday night at War Memorial Stadium in Paso Robles.

The Bearcats stumbled their way to a 17-0 deficit, giving the Warriors every reason to believe they would roll over on Homecoming night.

Paso Robles coach Rich Schimke and his Bearcats continued to search for a sign of life.

“A spark,” Schimke said.

Just before halftime, they got it - igniting the fuse and crowd on a 29-yard touchdown pass play.

Once the halftime festivities were over, Paso Robles exploded for five unanswered touchdowns en route to a 49-23 win over Righetti.

Righetti dropped to 1-2 in the PAC-7, and 5-3 overall.

The final score tells a bit of a lie. It does not indicate how dominant the Warriors were for nearly two quarters.

It was the final minute before halftime, however, that proved to be their undoing.

Before that minute, Righetti raced out to a commanding lead, dropping 17 points in the second quarter. The Warriors started their first scoring drive in the first quarter, and watched it become a 12-play clock-killer - capped with a 35-yard field goal from Cody Miller with 9:35 remaining in the second.

The Warriors scored three minutes later after a botched punt gave them prime real estate - a starting position at the Bearcats' 2-yard line. Wilson punched it in for a 10-0 lead.

And with one minute remaining in the half, Wilson once again punched in a 6-yard score.

Unfortunately for Righetti, 60 ticks was enough time for their northern foes, who moved to 6-1 overall, 2-0 in league.

In five plays, Paso Robles stormed down the field for 69 yards, ending in a 29-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Austin Flynn to Brett Wise.

At halftime, Schimke simply told his squad “Don't make the game bigger than it is.”

They sure made it look easier.

On fourth-and-goal and on the Warriors' 1-yard line, Andy Bridge ran the Bearcats closer - now trailing 17-14 after Bridge's score. They took their first lead of the game less than a minute later, taking advantage of a Warriors' fumble. This time, Flynn tossed to Michael Stark for a 12-yard score.

Righetti - suddenly trailing - struggled to rediscover its rhythm on offense.

After a three-and-out, Paso Robles took over at Righetti's 45-yard line. The short field made their marching that much easier. They marched down the field in five plays, encored by Nathan Nelson's 1-yard run.

Suddenly, Paso Robles had a 28-17 lead entering the final quarter.

It didn't get any better for the Warriors.

On another fourth-and-goal on the 1-yard line, Flynn spun into the endzone for a 1-yard quarterback keeper - all but sealing the win, 35-17 Paso Robles.

The Bearcats struck again when Nelson broke loose for a 49-yard score with 10:05 remaining.

Righetti did put together an impressive drive late in the game, and scored on Level's 20-yard pass to Jared Miller.

However, Paso Robles responded on a final touchdown toss with 3:44 remaining.

Level finished 12-of-32 for 133 yards, but did throw three interceptions - two coming in a desperate attempt to make up ground in the final quarter. Michael Alexander finished with 33 yards on nine carries. Rucker had 41 receiving yards on three catches.

Paso Robles, which was without its starting quarterback Brandon Ladley, saw an impressive performance from its backup, Flynn. He only threw for 78 yards, but gained 96 on the ground.

Righetti looks to rebound against Atascadero on Friday.

Oct. 20, 2007