LAKE BALBOA — Birmingham’s starting quarterback Kevin Hawkins didn’t attempt a pass before the final 25 seconds of the first quarter, yet his team had already built a 13-point lead.
That’s the game script the Patriots’ want. They run the air out of the ball, the energy out of their opponents, and the time off the clock. On Friday, Birmingham had over 200 yards on the ground in a 34-7 win over Cleveland in each team’s third West Valley league game. Running back Dredon Fowles had 91 yards, a rushing touchdown and a kick return touchdown; Braylen Morgan had 92 yards and a touchdown, and Hawkins added 43 yards on the ground.
Surprisingly, though, the Patriots (3-4, 3-0) attempted an uncharacteristic 12 passes, (Hawkins completed five of them for 102 yards), a lofty mark, especially compared to last week’s win over El Camino Real, where they threw just once.
“Everybody knows we’re going to run the ball first,” Birmingham head coach James Rose said.
The Patriots used their running game as a tool to build a lead and protect it against Cleveland (4-4, 2-1).
The defense took care of the former as linebacker Eddie Plaza intercepted Cleveland quarterback Domenik Fuentes’s first pass attempt and returned it for a touchdown.
Then the ground attack began cooking.
Fowles had five carries for 44 yards and scampered for an 18-yard touchdown on the Patriots opening drive. Then with 5:36 left in the second quarter, Braylen Morgan scored from 9 yards out.
“Morgan’s doing a good job,” Rose said about the sophomore running back.
Rose values complementary tailbacks. A thunder and lightning approach, he puts it. He had that last year with Fowles and downhill runner Ronnell Hewitt, who transferred to Westlake before this season. If he wants that thunder this season, he’ll turn to Plaza, the two-way star, he says. But Plaza fumbled in the third quarter and Morgan gave Rose something to think about.
Fowles certainly believes he and Morgan can create a formidable 1-2 punch.
“I’m more of a speed guy,” Fowles said. “He’s not the fastest, but he’ll definitely drop his shoulder. It’s just a good combo overall.”
Morgan’s touchdown came directly after Hawkins had connected with receiver Antrell Harris for a 43-yard gain. Harris had to cut his route short to make a play, but he leapt above a Clevand defender to high-point the ball.
Hawkins showcased raw arm talent on that throw, and on a 19-yard touchdown pass to Harris just before halftime. He still is working on putting the whole package together.
During a two-minute drill in the second quarter, Hawkins missed several open opportunites.
“There were a couple guys wide open and he didn’t get his right read,” Rose said about Hawkins. “We got to get a little bit better in the passing game for the games down the road.”
The Patriots committed additional blunders. They dropped three interceptions and backup quarterback Tobias Bechdolt played three series, but completed just 1 of 4 passes for -1 yards.
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The Patriots masked these mistakes with talent, a defense that intercepted the Cavaliers three of the four times they crossed midfield, and a spirit-breaking run game. And while it wasn’t always pretty, they used the cushion to experiment with their passing attack.
It’s a vast improvement from an 0-4 start, but Rose made clear he expects his offense to score more than the 21 points it did on Friday.
“We’re on the right track,” Rose said. “We were just sloppy on offense tonight.”