The Yreka Miners’ football team opened their season with a 27-16 win over the Trinity Wolves in Weaverville, last Friday.
Each squad scored a touchdown in the first quarter, but failed to convert the PAT. The teams matched each other again in the second quarter, with a TD and a two-point conversion, to make the score 14-14 at the half.

The Miners had the lead at the end of the third quarter, 20-16. Yreka scored a TD, and Trinity registered a safety. Yreka added a TD and a PAT in the fourth quarter to make the final 27-16.

Manny Barragan rushed for 100 yards on nine carries, and scored a TD on an 80-yard punt return. Barragan also had two receptions for 62 yards, and averaged 47.75 yards on four punts. Andrew Ward pulled down three passes for 54 yards and two TDs. Kurt Lorenzini carried 10 times for 45 yards, and a TD. Junior Joe Wilson, in his first varsity game, was 6/10 for 122 yards, and two TDs.

The Miners were dealt a blow, when Kurt Lorenzini was injured early in the second quarter. Yreka Coach Orlyn Culp said they really didn’t have  plan to deal with the loss of Lorenzini, and several of the younger players stepped in to get the job done.

“Overall, we played well enough to win,” said Culp. “The players did what the team needed them to do, and we won.”

Culp felt that several Miners played especially well, and gave due credit to the Trnity Wolves.

“The O-line and D-line played exceptional football for our first game, and Manny Barragan showed why he’s a senior who will to be paid attention to. Andrew Ward picked up where he left off last season with three nice catches, two for TDs. Joe Wilson played a smart game for his first varsity start, and he showed great toughness playing through a sprained ankle from the second quarter on,” said Culp. “Trinity played with fire and purpose. Their defensive line was much more physical and aggressive than we were prepared for, and their (linebackers) flew around to the ball. We were able to take advantage of their aggressiveness with play action passes that lead to two TDs.

Yreka Defensive Coordinator Dean Turner was also happy with the team’s defensive performance.

“Defensively we played well. Both Trinity’s scores were on blown coverages. So that’s something we’ll have to work on.” said Turner. “There were several 4th and short yardage situations that we were able to hold them. Given the amount of two way players, and the fact that it’s game one, overall I was pleased.”

Yreka (1-0) travels to Klamath Falls, Oregon this Friday to take on Mazama (1-0) at 7:00 pm. Mazama defeated Summit (Bend, OR) 19-13, last Friday.