California Upsets Laurel Behind Strong Running Game From Lee Qualk
Tagged under: District 7, News, pfn, Playoffs
Garrett Dollin | November 2, 2024
NEW CASTLE, PA – For most players, 163 rushing yards and 3 total touchdowns would be considered a career game. For Lee Qualk, that’s considered an off-day.
California’s game plan heading into Friday’s contest was no secret, run the ball. During the regular season, senior running back Lee Qualk led the entire WPIAL with 200 carries for 1967 yards (9.8 average) and 32 rushing touchdowns. As a team, California averaged over 300 rushing yards per game this season, thanks to the likes of Malachi Peak and Landon Abercromboie, among others.
Laurel looked to bounce back following a 27-7 loss against county rival Neshannock, whereas the California Trojans came into the game following a heartbreaking one point loss to Jefferson Morgan. This loss ended a 6-game win streak for the Trojans.
The first quarter would provide no scoring from either side. Midway through the second quarter, Lee Qualk found the endzone on a 2-yard rush, putting the Trojans up 8-0 following a successful 2-point conversion. Nearly 4 minutes later, Qualk would return to the endzone, this time thanks to an 11-yard receiving touchdown from Logan Hartley.
Much like the 1st quarter, the 3rd would show no points on the board for either squad. Heading to the fourth, Laurel’s offense would finally show some life, when Kolton Carlson powered 2-yards into the endzone for the score. The Spartans would attempt a 2-point conversion, but were stopped. A 31-yard rushing score from Qualk crushed any hopes for a late-game comeback from the Spartans. Laurel’s offense tried to respond, but an interception for Adin Keyes was the final nail in the coffin, as California chewed the remaining clock.
For California, the road ahead will be prove to be a challenging one. The Trojans will face off against the undefeated Clairton Bears next Friday night in round two. Clairton, who finished the regular season 10-0, outscored their opponents 539-21. In the first round of the playoffs, Clairton brushed off Rochester, 56-0.
Individual Stats:
California
RB Lee Qualk – 24 Attempts, 163 Yards, 2 Rush TD, 1 Rec TD
Laurel
QB Luca Santini – 13/31, 136 Yards, 2 INT
RB Kolton Carlson – 12 Attempts, 67 Yards, 1 Rush TD
Scoring Recap:
1st Quarter
No scoring plays
2nd Quarter
7:58, 2-yard touchdown Lee Qualk (2-point attempt successful)
3:46, 11-yard reception Lee Qualk
3rd Quarter
No scoring plays
4th Quarter
6:41, Kolton Carlson 2-yard run (2-point attempt unsuccessful)
3:34, 31-yard run Lee Qualk
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