FOUNTAIN — Rather than play only to their strengths in a Zero Week matchup against a formidable opponent, the Fountain-Fort Carson Trojans concentrated on their so-called weaknesses.
They came out looking pretty strong.
The run-happy Trojans threw for two touchdowns Friday and got several big stops from their rebuilt defense in a 26-14 Class 4A home nonleague victory.
“We understand that a lot of people are going to be coming in and thinking our defense wasn’t as good as last year,” junior Kevin Parks said. “We’ve been practicing hard and we’re going to come out and we’re going to play.”
Parks’ interception and 25-yard return set up the Trojans’ final touchdown, and his 42-yard touchdown catch midway through the second quarter was the go-ahead score as they defeated the Mustangs for the third time in two seasons.
Running back Quinton Lawson, who had just 12 yards rushing in the first half, broke off a 51-yard touchdown run on his first carry in the third quarter and finished with 125 yards on 11 carries. Lawson’s touchdown run was a microcosm of his night, he picked his way through the right side of the line, cut back to his left and blazed down the left sideline.
“Patience,” Lawson said. “I’m anxious to get a big run, but once I get it I got to be smart.”
Lawson’s touchdown was one of two that came immediately after the Mustangs faked a punt and failed to pick up the first down.
The first time the Mustangs faked a punt they were on their own 33. The Trojans answered two plays later when starting quarterback Gabe Gallegos scrambled and hit Antonio Goode for a 33-yard touchdown reception.
The next fake punt was at midfield in the third quarter. The Mustangs did convert their third fake punt for a 26-yard reception.
“Offensively the job is to score. Why punt the football?” Mustangs coach Matt Loyd. “I hate losing, but there’s just a feeling. I got a feeling about this group of guys. They showed me in the eyes that they’re going to play hard. We’re going to have fun doing it.”
The Mustangs scored first on a 23-yard catch and run by Tanyan Farley.
Ralston Valley 7 0 0 7 — 14
Fountain-Fort Carson 6 6 14 0 — 26
RV — Tanyan Farley 23 pass from James Robinson (Jeff Grenfell kick) 6:24. FFC — Antonio Goode 33 pass from Gabe Gallegos (kick failed) 1:37. FFC — Kevin Parks 42 pass from CJ Jones (pass failed) 7:09. FFC — Quinton Lawson 51 run (Kevin Davis kick) 8:01. FFC — Chris Davis 10 run (Kevin Davis kick) 5:50. RV — Rockwood 6 run (Grenfell kick) 3:36.
