Seniors Austin Smith at quarterback and Bryce Lich at halfback were a devastating one-two punch Friday night while lifting Castle View to a convincing 34-3 victory over Legend.
The Sabercats upped their season record to 6-0 and 1-0 in the South Metro League while piling up 392 yards of total offense.
The Titans couldn’t crack the end zone despite two big defensive plays in the second half, including an interception by defensive back Dylan Waugh early in the third period gave the Titans (2-4, 0-1) a first down at the Castle View 11-yard line. But that play led only to a 25-yard field goal by Avery Carlson.
Castle View coach Rvan Hollingshead credited his team’s defensive line as a major factor in the game. The Titans had only 51 yards of total offense.
“Our strength all season has been our lines,” Hollingshead said. “We’re real big up front. Our defensive line especially was a factor. They (Legend) couldn’t do a lot jet sweeps.”
As for Smith and Lich, Hollingshead had praise for both.
“They’ve been playing together for a long time, and they get away with some crazy stuff sometimes,” Hollingshead said. “They’re talented players.”
Smith accounted for four touchdowns: two on the ground and two in the air. His touchdown throws were 19 yards to tight end Gus Marker and 3 yards to fullback Tyler Woodman.
Lich was a workhorse on the ground with 140 yards and a touchdown.
By halftime, the Sabercats had control of the line scrimmage both ways. While Smith and Lich were piling up the offense numbers, Legend quarterback Mike Finkelstein could coax only 40 yards of total offense out of his team in the first two quarters.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
Castle View: 7 – 14 – 0 – 13 — 34
Legend: 0 – 0 – 3 – 0 — 3
CV: Lich 4 run (Donahue kick).
CV: Marker 19 pass from Smith (Donahue kick).
CV: Tyler 3 pass from Smith (Donahue kick).
L: FG 25 Carlson.
CV: Smith 8 run (kick failed).
CV: Smith 33 run (Donahue kick).
