Paraclete Triplets Overrun Big Bear

Most football teams strive for balance between running and passing.

Not Paraclete High.

The Spirits’ objective is balance between running backs.

Paraclete achieved this goal when Michael Washington, Curtis Brown and Erick Jackson combined for 433 yards rushing and four touchdowns in defeating Big Bear, 41-6, in a Division XII quarterfinal Saturday at Big Bear Middle School.

Paraclete (11-1) rolled up 537 yards in winning its 14th consecutive playoff game.

But defense ignited the offense.

Linebacker Joe Martin thwarted an 11-play, 63-yard drive by blocking Shawn Arden’s 27-yard field-goal attempt.

On the ensuing play, Washington broke lose for a 61-yard run and, two plays later, Brown scored on a three-yard run to give Paraclete an 8-0 lead in the first quarter.

One play after John Taylor’s interception, Craig Herrera teamed with Nick Hasse on a 67-yard touchdown pass play with 9:30 left in the second quarter.

Herrera completed four of 10 passes for 111 yards and added a one-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.

“Our defense is the strongest part of our team,” said Coach Jeff Cortez of Paraclete.

Brown, who ran for 128 yards in 17 carries and two touchdowns, gave Paraclete a 29-0 advantage with his six-yard touchdown run with 9:40 remaining left in the third quarter.

Jackson, who scored on runs of nine and 50 yards, rushed for 181 yards in 14 carries.

Washington gained 124 yards in 11 carries and caught a two-point conversion pass from Herrera.