Windsor improves to 5-2; will visit Cardinal Newman on Friday
Every successful football team has a signature victory it can point to that propels them to a winning season.
The varsity football Jaguars may have scored such a win on Friday at Ernie Nevers Field in Santa Rosa, amassing nearly 400 yards rushing to dispatch a solid Panther’s squad, 50-26.
The resounding victory pushed Windsor’s season record to 5-2, and an even 2-2 in the North Bay League.
The Jaguars won’t have much time to enjoy their latest victory as they turn their attention to their next obstacle – a Friday, Oct. 21 visit to Cardinal Newman.
The Cardinals (6-1, 4-0) enter this week’s contest riding a four-game win streak following a 50-7 drubbing over Montgomery on Oct. 14 and represent a formidable challenge for Windsor on Friday.
Jags crank up run game Â
The Panthers had no answer for Windsor’s bruising ground attack in their Homecoming Game, as the Jag’s offensive line opened up gaping holes for running backs Jackson Baughman and David Escarcega all night.
With quarterback Kobe Roman directing traffic, the duo set the tone on the opening drive with a 67-yard march fueled by big runs and culminating in a one-yard scoring plunge by Escarcega. Olin Piotter followed with the PAT kick and Windsor led 7-0.
The Panthers clawed back on their first play from scrimmage, as quarterback Isaiah Steele found receiver Cassius Banks on a 64-yard touchdown strike to knot the contest at 7-7 at the end of one.
The Panthers took the lead early in the second quarter when Banks scored on a short scoring run to make 14-7 Santa Rosa.
It would prove the high-water mark of the night for the Panthers, as the Jaguars’ offensive line took charge while their defense stiffened. Â
In the midst of a career night, Baughman capped Windsor’s next march with a four-yard touchdown plunge, followed by a two-point conversion pass from holder Casey Horton to Joey Pignataro to take a lead they would not relinquish.
Baughman picked off a pass on Santa Rosa’s next possession, leading to a 39-yard catch and run from Roman to Baughman to make it 22-14.
Roman capped a dominant second quarter with a one-yard touchdown dive to give Windsor a 29-14 lead at the half.
The Jaguars continued to pour it on after intermission, trading scores with a mistake-prone Panther’s squad to open up a 43-26 advantage at the end of three.
Roman put an end to any comeback hopes for Santa Rosa in the final period with another rushing touchdown as Windsor powered to a 50-26 win.
Baughman did everything but sell hot dogs, finishing up a great night with 137 yards on 21 carries and 4 touchdowns.
Escarcega rushed for 135 yards on 19 touches and one score, while Roman tallied two rushing touchdowns while throwing for another.
There were no defensive stats available for Windsor.
