Corsey helps Jaguars open postseason with win over Clark

Desert Pines relied heavily on its leader in the opening Division I-A playoff game against Clark on Friday night.

Iquan Corsey ran for two touchdowns and passed for another to give the host Jaguars a 30-14 win over the Chargers.

Coach Tico Rodriguez praised his quarterback after the game.

“Iquan Corsey has been a phenomenal player for us all year,” Rodriguez said. “He’s been a tremendous leader and an explosive player.

“He is truly our leader on offense.”

The senior finished 7 of 12 passing for 31 yards and a touchdown, and added 64 yards on the ground to keep the Jaguars perfect at home on the year.

His touchdown pass was a 4-yard pass to Malik Davis in the second quarter.

“We played a good game,” Corsey said. “We could have done better, but we got the win. That’s all that matters. My line did a great job opening holes for the plays.”

After a sluggish start from both sides, Desert Pines (9-1) got on the board first and never looked back. They took a 20-6 lead into halftime, thanks largely to its dominant running game.

The Jaguars had 213 yards rushing in the first half alone, which pleased their coach. Desert Pines finished with 341 yards on the ground.

“Fortunately for us, we have some quality running backs,” Rodriguez said. “Our offensive line is young, but very talented. We just ran the ball well and didn’t have any crucial turnovers.”

Desert Pines held Clark (4-6) in check defensively the majority of the night, and recorded a safety early in the fourth quarter.

“They’re a big-play offense and we neutralized them from making the big play,” Rodriguez said. “We just contained their great athletes and I’m really happy with the defense.”

The Jaguars held Clark to six points until the final minute when Ty’Rek Wells scored on a 1-yard run and added the 2-point conversion with 39 seconds to play.

“Defensively, we played really aggressive,” Rodriguez said. “We were smart.”

Kareem Warren was Clark’s most dynamic player on Friday. He finished 7 of 18 passing for 88 yards, and added 56 yards on the ground.

He hooked up with Andre Turner on a 12-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Milan Dixon had 13 carries and 80 yards for Clark.

Jon McCoy scored on a 12-yard run for the Jaguars in the second quarter.

Despite a big night, Corsey was critical of his team, but said they’re just getting started.

“I know we can do better. I’ve seen us do better,” Corsey said. “I think we have to read blitzes more. We have to contain our blocks a little bit more. I think we can go all the way to state.”

Rodriguez didn’t want to look too far ahead.

“We just need to tighten up everything for Faith Lutheran (next week),” Rodriguez said.