Hart Stays Undefeated With Rout

Even when Hart High is not on the top of its game, the Indians still are too much for most teams to handle.

Lompoc learned that lesson Friday night in a 35-9 nonleague loss at College of the Canyons.

“We had a little of a letdown all week in practice following our (42-13 Foothill League) win over Saugus,” said Hart quarterback Davis Delmatoff, who threw for 351 yards and three touchdowns.

“I guess it’s kind of natural that we wouldn’t be as up for this one as we were for such a big game last week, but they were also one of the best defenses we played against all season.”

Hart, ranked first in The Times’ regional poll and fourth in Division II, improved to 7-0.

Despite intercepting three Delmatoff passes--and generally doing one of the better jobs this season of limiting explosive tailback Deriek Charles--the Division VII Braves (4-3) were no match for Hart.

The Indians sacked quarterback Jarrod DeGeorgia three times and shut down Lompoc’s running game.

The Indians put the game away with 9 minutes 39 seconds remaining on Delmatoff’s one-yard touchdown run and Tim Cronk’s fifth successful conversion kick in as many tries.

“We did start a little bit sluggish, but they were a real quick, hard-hitting team,” said Charles, who had just 41 yards against Lompoc after rushing for 194 against Saugus.

The Foothill League respite is over for the Indians, who will travel to Burroughs next Friday.

Hart, as it has done often this season, started quickly. The Indians, powered by Delmatoff’s 221 yards passing and Charles’ two touchdowns, held a 21-9 halftime advantage over their Northern League opponent.

The Indians took a lead they would not surrender on the game’s opening possession when Delmatoff and Charles hooked up for a 45-yard touchdown.

Delmatoff’s pass covered 10 yards and Charles did the rest, breaking several tackles with some nifty running.

Charles, who caught six passes in the first half for 104 yards, also had an eight-yard touchdown run before intermission.

The Braves got on the board in the second quarter when DeGeorgia connected with Quienell Owens on an 82-yard play. Owens caught the ball in the middle of the field at the Braves’ 30 and outraced the Indians’ defense to the end zone.

After Nars Terrones’ 33-yard field goal, Delmatoff, who threw two interceptions in the first half, connected with Jared Halverson for an 18-yard touchdown.