Backup Performs Like No. 1 for Morse

Morse Coach John Shacklett decided this week that instead of starting regular quarterback Mike Liera, he would give Jimmy Rose some game experience before the start of the Eastern League.

Next week, when the Tigers play Serra in the league opener, Shacklett doesn’t know who will start.

Rose played a brilliant three quarters before Liera took over in the fourth, and Morse (4-1) soundly defeated Lincoln, 29-8, before an overflow crowd at Mesa College.

“I was pleased with my decision for several reasons,” Shacklett said. “First, Jimmy moved the ball real well, and second, he gave me some confidence in his ability. Don’t ask me what I’m going to do now.”

Said Rose, “We just wanted to move the ball, and we did. I’m just glad the offensive line gave me a chance to throw.”

Rose completed 8 of 12 passes for 98 yards and scored a touchdown on a 43-yard run with a teammate’s fumble. More important, Rose ran the show. He was in control and kept Morse in control throughout the game.

Morse scored on its first possession. After three plays, Morse faced a fourth and inches from the Lincoln 40. Rose handed off to fullback Derrick Greene, who appeared to have picked up the necessary yardage for the first down when he was hit and the ball jarred loose.

It bounced toward Rose, who scooped it up and headed for the left sideline. Eluding a tackler, Rose turned upfield and had a clear path to the end zone. The extra point attempt was wide, and Morse led, 6-0.

After a long Lincoln drive that eventually stalled, Morse took over at its own 15. The Tigers capped a 16-play drive lasting 9 minutes 7 seconds with a 23-yard field goal by German Puentes.

Morse got great field position on its next possession after harassing Lincoln’s Ron Jones into a 7-yard punt to the Hornets’ 27. Five plays later, running back Jesse Campbell (16 carries, 96 yards) ran in from the 6 to give the Tigers a 16-0 halftime lead.

In the second half, fullback Ututofo Fiame scored on touchdowns runs of 1 and 2 yards to end the scoring for Morse.

Lincoln (3-2) had trouble moving the ball with any consistency despite the running of Orlanzo Edwards (16 carries, 133 yards). Forced to pass, David Drake completed only 5 of 21 for 74 yards, including a 29-yard touchdown to Lonnie Fields.

Lincoln also lost its best defensive player to injury. Linebacker Leonard Hill had to be taken the hospital after suffering a neck injury on a tackle of Rose after a fake field goal try. Morse trainer Laura DeSnoo said Hill blacked out but was conscious moments later. He was taken to the Sharp Hospital for precautionary reasons.

As for Morse’s quarterback situation, Rose said, “We’ll just go out to practice and see what happens.”

Said Liera, who was 3 for 3 for 42 yards in the fourth quarter, “Jimmy had a great game. He deserves to start. He put some points on the board, and that’s what a quarterback has to do. If I have to be a backup, I’ll be the best backup in the county.”