Colusa’s Isaiah Travis races down field on a 76-yard scoop and score play that changed the momentum in the RedHawks’ game with Anderson on Aug. 26COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Football kicked off in Colusa last Friday night with the defending Northern Section Division IV champion RedHawks flexing their muscles as they rolled up 401 yards of total offense and pitched a shutout on defense to batter the visiting Anderson Cubs 34-0.
It was evident from the onset that the Cubs were no match for Colusa, as even after gaining five yards, courtesy of a RedHawk encroachment penalty on the first play from scrimmage, they could not muster enough yardage for a first down.
Conversely, on its first drive, the RedHawks needed just three plays to reach the end zone.
As has become customary, Colusa used both the run and the pass in its initial drive, starting off with a handoff to running back Will McCoy that resulted in a short gain, followed by a pass from quarterback Bo Coronado to tight end Isaiah Travis for 29 yards, down to the Anderson 19.
From there, it was back to McCoy, who broke to the outside and darted into the end zone for the RedHawks’ first points of the season.
And while it seemed the rout would be on, Colusa, despite stifling the Cubs’ offense on its next three possessions, wouldn’t score again until the final seconds of the second quarter, when Adan Travis capped the seven-play drive with a touchdown run from five yards out.
With the score 14-0, the RedHawks received the second half kickoff and after having a touchdown called back due to penalty, then proceeded to score on the ensuing play when Coronado found Landon Humphrey in the end zone on a 10-yard strike.
Still, when the Cubs took their turn, it looked like their ground game was taking its toll on Colusa, as for the first time all night they were moving the ball effectively.
That all changed suddenly, however, when on the eighth play of the drive, McCoy forced a fumble that was alertly scooped up by Isaiah Travis, who raced 76 yards for the touchdown to make the score 27-0 after another Humphrey extra point.
It was truly the backbreaker for the Cubs, who, from that juncture, lost any momentum they had been generating.
Colusa tacked on in the fourth quarter, following another Anderson fumble that the RedHawks turned into points, with an Adan Travis 11-yard run.
While the RedHawks dominated all facets of the game, a lack of focus and intensity at times, along with six penalties, was concerning to head coach Mikey Badaluco.
“I don’t know if it’s just because it’s the first game or what, but we just seemed to be on cruise control,” said the third-year head coach. “We need to take a look at how we react to certain things and stop the unnecessary penalties. It all goes back to being disciplined.”
Still, there was plenty to be excited about, starting with McCoy, who in addition to gashing the Cubs for 12.3 yards a clip on eight carries, played a major role on defense with 10 tackles and as a result drew praise from his coach.
“Will played with intensity on both sides of the ball tonight,” said Badaluco. “He has taken on more of a leadership role, whereas last year, he was more of just a defensive player.”
For his part McCoy takes his responsibility as a leader seriously, understanding what the team needs to do to be better.
“I think that every game we need to set the tone and look for an advantage,” said the senior. “We have a great receiving corps to balance out the run game and made an adjustment on defense that worked out well, but we do need to clean some stuff up for sure.”
Also drawing accolades from Badaluco, was Hayden Sines, whom he described as a “really disruptive force” at both linebacker and as a defensive lineman as well.
Sines, a senior, tied McCoy with a team-high 10 tackles, caused a fumble, and appears to have a motor that doesn’t quit.
On offense, Colusa got a solid effort from quarterback Coronado, who completed 11 passes to five different receivers for 187 yards.
Isaiah Travis was the RedHawks’ leading receiver with three catches for 73 yards, while younger brother Adan Travis gained 69 yards on nine carries.
Today, Colusa hopes to improve upon last week’s performance when it makes the 200-mile trip north to face Yreka.
