Alvin Pomare shines for Desert Oasis in win over Spring Valley

Desert Oasis had its back against the wall coming into Friday night’s game at Spring Valley.

The Diamondbacks were missing star running back Christian Vaughn in a game they needed to win to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.

Enter junior linebacker/running back Alvin Pomare.

The former rugby player ran for 321 yards and three touchdowns on 35 carries as the Diamondbacks (5-3, 1-3 Southwest League) downed the Grizzlies, 28-20.

“Alvin stepped up, and he really carried the workload for us tonight and did a great job,” Desert Oasis coach Michael Ovens said. ”We had to teach him American football, and he’s turned out to be a pretty good player, pretty important player for us.”

Pomare ran over and through Spring Valley’s defense, scoring on runs of 19, 5 and 60 yards. He also started on defense and play both ways for most of the game as the Diamondbacks also were missing starting middle linebacker Idris Shuaib.

“I feel tired and feel good that I did everything I could for the team,” Pomare said. “I was nervous, but I thought that I was mentally and physically ready, because I’m the next one up. So I have to show what I have and do something for the team.”

The Diamondbacks got off to a fast start – scoring on Pomare’s 19-yard run and a 27-yard touchdown pass from Colton Zobrist to Alexander Simi – to take a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

The Grizzlies (2-6, 1-3) responded in the second quarter as quarterback Frank Bartley scored on a 1-yard run with 19 seconds remaining in the first half to cut the Diamondbacks lead to 14-6.

Pomare’s 5-yard touchdown run in the third quarter extended the Diamondbacks lead to 21-6.

However, Bartley kept his team in the game by scrambling 45 yards for a touchdown on fourth and 14 to make the score 21-12.

“Overall, I was pleased with the effort on defense,” Ovens said. “However, I wasn’t pleased with some of the mental mistakes and some of the breakdowns we had in the fourth quarter.”

On the next play from scrimmage, Pomare broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run. The Diamondbacks responded to Spring Valley’s final touchdown by running out the clock.

“I just thought I should go on the field and do what I do best for the team,” Pomare said. “It’s all about teamwork. That’s why I always bring up team. I know it is my first time with all of these carries, but I thought I had to take it. Take one for the team.”