California edges Beth-Center to win TCS
FREDERICKTOWN – This is becoming a habit for the California Trojans.
For the second year in a row, the Trojans wrapped up the Tri-County South Conference title, this time with a 22-20 squeaker over Beth-Center.
The Beth-Center Bulldogs (9-1) came up on the losing side of the scoreboard for the first time this season. California moved to 8-2 on the season.
California opened the game with a flurry. Quarterback Brandon Meier hit Brayden Crockett with a 62-yard bomb and a 7-0 lead. If you were wondering if things could get any worse for the undefeated Bulldogs, it could.
On a fourth-down punt, California’s Alan Dennis took it back 88 yards, giving Cal 15-0 lead. It got worse for Beth-Center. Meier hooked up with Chase Shemansky for 45 yards and a touchdown, giving Cal a 22-0 lead.
Beth-Center finally got the engines going, thanks to a decision on fourth down for Cal. The Trojans failed to get the first down and B-C drove down the field, scoring on a five-yard run by Chase Bebout as time expired in the first half.
Beth-Center running back Enzo Brown led all rushers with 56 yards on 11 carries. Meier passed for 109 yards.
Hunter Bobbs missed a 24-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter. He was called upon after B-C couldn’t push it over from the five on third down. Another in the fourth quarter fell just short from 27 yards.
Enzo Brown scored once in the third quarter from 44 yards and again from 23 to pull Beth-Center to within two 22-20.