Jaguars gain 428 yards, rout Warriors

Talk about making the most of the time you have on the football field.

Desert Pines had only 24 snaps on offense Friday night but gained 428 yards in a 61-0 victory over Western in the season opener for both teams.

The Jaguars totalled 277 yards and six touchdowns on their 12 rushing attempts. Senior Eric Wilkes scored from 81 and 34 yards out on his only two carries.

“The key is the kids buying into the scheme on both sides of the ball,” Desert Pines coach Tico Rodriguez said. “It’s tough for Western because they just don’t have the numbers right now. I’ve been in that position before. Tonight, however, is about our team moving in the right direction.”

The Jaguars didn’t take long to move the right way as Iquan Corsey took an interception 39 yards for a score 2:12 into the game.

Corsey threw for a pair of scores and ran for another as Desert Pines enjoyed a 41-0 cushion at halftime.

In the opening half, the Jaguars outgained Western, 280-7. The Warriors, with only 20 players in uniform, gained 21 yards for the game. The lone bright spot was Xerexes Tachiquin, who rushed for 68 yards.

Malik Davis, Tim Hough and Trevor Nofoa also scored in the second half for Desert Pines.

“We knew we could run the football,” Rodriguez said. “This was a nice victory, but we have lots of things to improve on, especially in the penalty department.”

The Jaguars were flagged 13 times for 138 yards.

Western, which traveled into Desert Pines territory just twice, fumbled eight times.