Beatty running back Michael Olson led the team with 247 yards to help the Hornets won in Tonopah on Friday, 60-20.
The Hornets for sure had a nice bus ride home as they celebrated the big win. Next to the playoffs, the Beatty vs. Tonopah game is the biggest game of the season.
Olson was a huge part of the Hornets (7-1 overall, 5-1 Class 1A Southern) offense against the Muckers (5-3, 3-3), scoring five rushing touchdowns.
“He also threw a pass for a 38-yard completion to Isais Femet, to the one-yard line,” Hornets coach Leo Verzilli said.
On defense, Olson also played a role. He recovered a fumble and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown.
Verzilli said Olson received a lot of help from fullback Hugo Mendoza. Mendoza ran for 57 yards, scoring two TDs.
“Because of him, we were able to run our offense as effectively as we did,” Verzilli said. “For the most part he is a lead blocker and he brings a load.”
The Hornets offensive line deserves some credit for making the gaps in the defensive line.
“Our offensive blocking was excellent, backs hit their gaps, a lot of our yardage came at one and two-yard gains and then we would break one or just continue to drive down the field,” the coach said.
Beatty quarterback Jacob Henry was five for six attempts for 20-yards passing.
Verzilli said the defense played tough.
“Defensively we played a great game,” he said. “Our read and recognition was spot-on and the pursuit was relentless. Also, defensively, Mariano Villa took on a double team all night long which freed up our linebackers to pursue untouched.
In the end, Hornets coach Leo Verzilli said everyone deserves credit for the win.
“I can’t talk about all the individual accomplishments that happened Friday night, for it would take too long, chalk it up to a total team effort and a will not to be denied,” the coach said.
Defensive tackles: Olson 16, Jacob Oseguera 13, Robby Revert 10, Villa 10.
Contact sports editor Vern Hee at vhee@pvtimes.com