Football: Cal's Quick Strike Offense Too Much For College Park

It's hard to fathem a more dominant half of football than the one the football team turned in to open its 52-14 victory against College Park at Diablo Valley College Saturday.

On their five touchdown drives, the Grizzlies needed a total of just 12 plays. Those 12 plays covered 249 yards — an average of 20.8 yards per play — and showcased how balanced the team can be.

"We put a lot of pressure all of them to execute their jobs and the first half was a reflection of them doing that," coach Eric Billeci said.

Armani Washington set the tone early by nearly breaking the opening kickoff for a touchdown. He was tripped up at midfield, but three plays later he galloped in from 26 yards and the Grizzlies led 7-0 less than two minutes into the game.

There was no slowing down. 

College Park put together a decent opening drive, but after picking up a pair of first downs, the Falcons' offense sputtered and they were forced to punt. 

The Grizzlies took over at their own 49 and two plays later first-year starting quarterback Kevin Farley found Blake Guardino for a touchdown from 23 yards out as the Grizzlies begun to pull away.

"We just have a lot of playmakers on our team," Washington said. "We just came together as a team. The line was blocking for the running backs, the receivers caught the ball and the quarterbacks got it there." 

The defense got into the act next when Anthony Galasso scooped up a fumble and returned it three yards for a score.

At that point, the game was well in hand, but interceptions from David Pray and Timmy Mertes sped up the scoring process. 

After Mertes' pick early in the second quarter, the Grizzlies put together their longest scoring drive of the half. Still, it took just five plays to cover 60 yards and was capped by a 10-yard pass from Farley to Shane Haley.

"(Farley) continues to be our cerebral leaders," Billeci said. "He keeps getting better."

How's this for efficient?

Farley completed 3 of 5 passes for 76 yards and all three went for scores. The third was a 43-yard strike to Washington, which showcased some impressive arm strength.

Jerrell Dunn, who led the team with 63 yards, made it 42-0 with 1:22 left in the half on a nifty 45-yard run. 

The Grizzlies (2-0) will turn their attention to Castro Valley, which is now running the wing-t offense.

"They gave Monte Vista everything they could handle, so we'll see," Billeci said.

Karris Johnson (10 carries) and Austin Terry (6 carries) both ran for 62 yards. 

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