USC’s defense delivers shutout over Medford
Only allow Tigers’ offense a total of 98 yards and four first downs
The United South Central football team evened their season record at two wins and two losses when they defeated the Medford Tigers 29-0 in Wells on Friday, Sept. 22.
In holding the Tigers scoreless, the Rebels’ defense held Medford to only 98 yards of total offense and allowed only four first downs during the game.
Meanwhile, USC generated 320 yards of total offense and 17 first downs.
The Rebels did almost all of their damage on the ground with 305 yards total rushing.
USC started the opening drive of the game with good field position after Angel DeJesus received the Medford kick at the 14-yard line and returned it 33 yards to the Rebel 47-yard line.
USC put together an 11-play drive that covered 53 yards for a touchdown. The score came on a run by Byron Getchell from just inside Medford’s 10-yard line. Getchell then ran the ball in for the two-point conversion and an 8-0 lead for the home team.
That was the only score in the first half.
USC’s defense produced a touchdown in the third quarter when Johnny Martinez interecepted a pass deep in Medford territory and scampered into the end zone for six points. The Rebels converted their two-point try to increase their lead to 16-0 with 5:12 remaining in the third quarter.
Medford started their next possession at their own nine-yard line and were unable to make a first down. They punted the ball to USC who took over on the Tigers’ 46-yard line.
Seven plays later Getchell scored from five yards out on the first play of the fourth quarter for his second touchdown of the game. The PAT was no good so the Rebels’ lead was 22-0.
USC got the ball again with 8:43 remaining in the game and put together a five-play 47-yard drive for another touchdown and a 28-0 lead. The score came on a 31 yard run by Isaiah Gonzalez. Caleb Whiteside kicked the ball through the uprights for the extra point to make the final score 29-0.
Getchell was the leading rusher for the Rebels with 157 yards on 18 carries. Martinez carried the ball seven times for 34 yards and Gonzalez had 32 yards on two carries.
Martinez attempted six passes and completed one to Blake Bullerman for 15 yards.
The Rebels traveled to Waterville on Friday, Sept. 29, to take on the Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Buccaneers. They return home on Friday, Oct. 6, to host Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton in their homecoming game.