JUNIOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL ROUNDUP : Pierce Falls in Defensive Struggle, 10-0

Harbor College relied on running back Ira Moreland and kicker Jon Williams to grind out a 10-0 victory over host Pierce on Saturday night in a Western State Conference opener.

Moreland (18 carries, 99 yards) dashed four yards on a fourth-and-three counter play for the game’s lone touchdown with 12 minutes 48 seconds remaining. Williams connected on a 41-yard field goal with eight minutes to play in the third quarter to break a scoreless tie.

In a game marked by conservative play calling, the Seahawks (2-0) took advantage of a partially blocked punt to set up the touchdown. Tim Young burst through the line to deflect the punt and Jeff Keith caught the ball in mid-air at the Pierce 21, returning it 10 yards.

In the third quarter, a 27-yard punt to the Seahawk 47 put Harbor in position for the field goal. Sparked by the churning runs of T.J. Palaita (17 carries, 62 yards), Harbor worked the ball to the 24 before Williams made the kick.

The defenses stole the spotlight in the first half. Harbor, led by the aggressive play of tackle Brandon Johnson, held Pierce (1-1) to 84 yards, 63 on the ground. Pierce was nearly as effective, limiting Harbor to 109 yards, 98 rushing.

Harbor finished with 219 yards, 208 on the ground. Pierce was held to 188 yards.

Erik Thomas gained 41 yards in 12 carries for the Brahmas. David Doyle caught five passes for 35 yards.