Daniels Limits Options for Texas

Derrell Daniels might be a small linebacker but he was the perfect size to contend with the Texas offense at the California-Texas Shrine all-star football game Saturday night.

Texas came into the game hoping to utilize an option-style attack but instead got stuffed by Daniels and the defense, which led California to a 31-6 victory at Cal State Fullerton before an estimated 7,000.

The California defense was especially stifling in the first half, holding Texas to 22 yards, minus-15 on the ground.

Texas fared slightly better in the second, finishing with 114 yards but had minus-two rushing in 29 carries.

Daniels, a recent graduate of Sylmar High who is headed to Washington, weighs only 210 pounds but still made plenty of plays as an outside linebacker.

He nailed Davaren Hightower for a five-yard loss early in the second quarter.

Late in the half, Daniels chased down quarterback Sterlin Gilbert, sacking him for a 17-yard loss. Gilbert was called for intentional grounding on the play.

“We had good practices all week,” Daniels said. “[The defense] played well together from the start.”

Daniels had a chance for glory after California’s Marques Anderson of Long Beach Poly blocked a punt. The ball fell at Daniels’ feet at the Texas four but it was grabbed by a Texas player before Daniels could pick it up.

Daniels got his hands on the ball in the fourth quarter when he recovered one of seven Texas fumbles.

About the only thing Daniels did wrong was being called for unsportsmanlike conduct in the second quarter.

Tony Walker of Antelope Valley started in the defensive secondary and made his presence felt, nearly intercepting a long pass in the second quarter.

Texas crossed midfield only once in the first three quarters, and finally scored on a three-yard run by Hightower with just over seven minutes left.

Camarillo’s Joe Borchard was the starting quarterback but was overshadowed by Servite’s Greg Cicero.

Cicero, who will play at Texas, completed 10 consecutive passes, including a 35-yard touchdown to Joey Getherall of Bishop Amat early in the second quarter.

Borchard completed three of his first four passes but misfired on his next five, finishing four of 10 for 41 yards.

“It was a little rusty the first couple of days,” Borchard said. “It got a little better but it still takes a few weeks to get things going.”

Mike Wambolt of Hart, who will play for Colorado, started at center and played the entire game for California.