West Ranch’s Kara Carnes did it all in Tuesday’s first-round 40-20 win over the Temecula Prep Patriots as the junior quarterback tossed six touchdowns, leading the Wildcats to the second round of the Division 4 flag football playoffs.
“This was very fun. We all helped each other out and we’re having fun,” Carnes said afterward. “That’s how we win because we’re having a good time and we’re calm, relaxed and we’re smooth.”
And in Tuesday’s playoff win, the Wildcats offense was much more than smooth – it was explosive.
In the first half, the Wildcats scored the game’s 40 total points with a 26-point second quarter.
En route to the six touchdowns, Carnes also completed 27 for 30 pass attempts along with 291 yards through the air. And the whole offense got to share that success.
Three separate West Ranch receivers recorded two touchdowns with sophomore Rochelle Clark leading the way with 85 receiving yards and seven receptions.
After the game, West Ranch head coach David Therasse spoke on the team’s success on offense and knew the potential his team can have when it’s all clicking.
“This felt good because the last few weeks, we’ve been having trouble,” he said. “So, it’s nice to get out and play the way we know these girls could play. We know they have it in them.”
The Wildcats advanced to the second round of the Division 4 playoffs and will get to host again in Friday’s matchup against the visiting Redlands Adventist Academy Bulldogs.
With rain expected in the forecast until the team’s next matchup, Carnes is looking forward to just getting back out on the field and utilize momentum from Tuesday’s win.
“We will make sure we’re going to stay focused on practice,” Carnes said. “We’re just going to keep having fun, working together and keep up this momentum. And see what happens.”
Friday’s second-round matchup between the Bulldogs and Wildcats is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. at West Ranch High School.
For more on Carnes’ performance, watch her postgame interview here: youtu.be/E-E4D8LkVWo.
After Tuesday’s games, here are scores from around the first round:
Hart 24, Glendora 0: Following a shutout win over Glendora, the Hart Hawks secured their first-ever playoff win in program history in the first round of the Division 2 playoffs.
In Tuesday’s win, freshman Brooklyn Walsh took over as quarterback for the Hawks and tossed for four touchdowns along with 191 yards through the air on 18 for 27 pass attempts.
The Hawks will look to continue their winning momentum in the second round against the Chaminade Eagles of West Hills.
Saturday’s second-round matchup between the Eagles and Hawks is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at Hart High School.
Valencia 25, Temescal Canyon 6: For the first time in program history, the Valencia Vikings are playoff winners after a 25-6 win in the first round of the Division 3 playoffs.
In Tuesday’s win, Valencia’s rushing attack recorded 367 yards with the defense ending the day with three sacks and two interceptions.
The Vikings are set to hit the road for the second round and take on the Lawndale Cardinals, who escaped with a 20-19 win over Harvard-Westlake on Tuesday.
Saturday’s second-round matchup between the Cardinals and Vikings is scheduled for 5 p.m. at Lawndale High School.
Hemet 24, Canyon 18: After making the playoffs for the first time in program history, the Cowboys were eliminated from the Division 4 playoffs, losing to Hemet, 24-18.
Photos below from West Ranch’s win on Tuesday:
