Lakewood – It might take Green Mountain fans awhile to get used to this.
After nearly 25 years of playing smash-mouth football under coach Don McGatlin, the Rams kicked off the Kevin Rice era Saturday with their backup quarterback attempting 21 passes en route to a 20-0 victory over Central of Grand Junction.
“It’s a big step for us,” said Rice, a 1995 graduate and the Rams’ defensive coordinator last season.
Senior Jeremy Opperman completed eight passes for 67 yards. Opperman was filling in for junior Marc Amos, who, along with receiver Adam Piccirilli, was serving a one-game suspension for breaking team rules.
But the Rams, ranked No. 2 in The Denver Post/9News Class 4A poll, returned to their roots in the fourth quarter to solidify the nonleague victory at Jefferson County Stadium.
After stuffing the Warriors on fourth-and-goal, the Rams drove 98 yards on 12 running plays, capped by Gailon Greene Jr.’s touchdown on a 23-yard reverse.
“Eventually we decided to go a little more conservative there at the end,” Rice said. “We did complete passes, we did loosen them up a bit, so it was in our game plan.”
Defense was the most convincing game plan for the Rams, who converted three turnovers into 13 points while stifling the Warriors’ rebuilt offense.
The Rams held the Warriors to just three first downs and 47 total yards.
The game was a far cry from the teams’ last meeting, in 2004, when the Rams overcame a 29-point halftime deficit to knock Central out of the playoffs.
“We’re not disappointed as far as how our effort was,” Central (G.J.) coach Vern McGee said. “Like I said before, our offense has got to get some time together. They’ll get going.”
Besides a stout defensive line, Logan Hancock was a Central bright spot as the senior ran for 89 yards on 17 carries.
Green Mountain’s rushing trio of Greene, fullback Zac Pauga and running back Kheeland Hicks ran for 209 yards. Pauga, who also had three sacks, led the way with 83 yards – including a 2-yard touchdown run midway through the second quarter.
“This year our motto is to take what the defense gives us,” Pauga said. “They ran a 4-4 and a 4-5 (defense) sometimes, so why not throw?”
The Rams forced two fumbles inside the Warriors’ 40 and were leading 6-0 on two Jeb Brovsky field goals.
Central’s following drive ended on Gary Holthus’ interception when Pauga’s hit jarred quarterback Brad Davison as the junior threw.
Central (G.J.) 0 0 0 0 – 0
Green Mountain 3 10 0 7 – 20
GM – FG Brovsky 31. GM – FG Brovsky 26. GM – Pauga 2 run (Brovsky kick). GM – Greene 23 run (Brovsky kick).
