Vaqueros Find a Third Threat in 48-8 Victory

Two parasailors in black tuxedos delivered an envelope with the name of the Rancho Alamitos homecoming queen during halftime ceremonies Friday at Bolsa Grande High. But by then, Vaquero quarterback Marshall Brown had already flashed a big news bulletin of his own.

Brown, the least publicized member of Rancho Alamitos’ triple-threat backfield that includes Jeff Byrd and Leon Vickers, scored three of his four rushing touchdowns on the night and passed for one in the first half to lead the Vaqueros to a 48-8 victory over Bolsa Grande (1-4, 0-2 in league).

The speedy junior’s four rushing touchdowns tied the school’s single-game record shared by three others, including Byrd, who equaled the feat in the Vaquero victory over Pacifica last week. Brown carried six times for 121 yards.

“Marshall Brown gave notice he’s a viable threat,” Rancho Alamitos Coach Mark Miller said. “It shows we have more than two weapons (in the backfield).”

Rancho Alamitos (4-0-1, 2-0) assumed control of the game early, scoring on its second possession on Brown’s 33-yard run around right end and again on its next drive on a 50-yard run by the quarterback.

The Vaqueros, however, kept pounding at the Bolsa Grande defensive unit almost at will and pulled out to a 35-0 lead at the half.

Bolsa Grande, playing without first-string quarterback Brian Taylor, who Coach Jim Wright said spent the week in the hospital with an unspecified illness, went to backup Adam Gilbert, but the junior couldn’t generate much offense. The Matadors were held to 68 yards in the first half.

They finally managed to cross the goal line on their first series of the third quarter on a 13-yard run by Gilbert with 8 minutes 51 seconds remaining.

The Matadors almost capitalized again a few minutes later when they moved the ball to the Rancho Alamitos’ nine-yard line, but Vickers intercepted a pass from Gilbert at the 12. The Matadors never threatened again.

Byrd and Vickers, who had been doing the majority of the running for Rancho Alamitos, played only about half the game. Byrd carried 12 times for 74 yards and Vickers had 36 yards in five attempts.