Carey School football players were "firing on all cylinders," last Friday during a 55-8 Sawtooth Conference home eight-man football victory over the Rockland Bulldogs, at Derrick Parke Memorial Field.
That was coach Lane Kirkland's comment about the 45-point mercy-rule victory that took only one half to complete. "All 27 of our players got into the game," he said. "It was an enthusiastic night for us. We got back to what we do best—enjoying the game."
Senior Heith Adamson led Carey (3-0, 2-0 league) with three touchdowns including a six-yard run starting the shortened game, an 85-yard kickoff return and a three-yard run. Adamson rushed for 56 yards.
Carey's defense also scored twice—junior Tyler Chavez returning an interception 30 yards to paydirt and senior Jared Cenarrusa racing home from 10 yards on a fumble. Cenarrusa caught Carey's only scoring pass, a 14-yard toss from sophomore Caleb Cenarrusa, late in the second period.
The other two of Carey's eight touchdowns in just 24 minutes came on a 10-yard run by sophomore Antonio Gamino (69 rushing yards), and a 14-run scamper by sophomore Lynn Mecham, a 14-run scamper.
Making conversions were Gonzalo Zarate (45 rushing yards), Dillon Simpson, Trevor Peck on a pass from Simpson and junior Brad Peck with a rare extra-point kick.
Carey out-rushed Rockland (1-2, 1-1 league) by a 222-55 margin and finished with a 236-107 advantage in total offense. The Panthers have now won 17 of their last 18 against Rockland including 50-0, 54-6 and 55-8 wins the past three years.
Leading the Panther defense were sophomore Jacy Baird (7 tackles/2 assists), Trevor Peck (6/2), Shane Bingham (6/5), Jared Cenarrusa and Charlie Rivera (3/2), Brett Adamson (3/1) and Gamino (3/3).
Coming up, Carey travels to Jackpot (Nev.) Friday, Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. for its first-ever varsity game against the Jaguars, a non-conference challenge. Jackpot (0-1) host at home 30-22 to Camas County last Friday.
Homecoming at Carey is Sept. 26 against Camas County.