California throws shutout at Bentworth

BENTLEYVILLE - Both the California Trojans (1-0, 1-0) and Bentworth Bearcats (0-1, 0-1) ushered in new coaches Friday night, with the Trojans coming out on top 21-0 in a Tri-County South conference game.

Both Romaine Howell of California and Bob Gambita of Bentworth coached their first ever games for their respective squads.

The Trojans scored on their second possession after a Bentworth turnover at the Trojan 38.

After driving to the Trojans' 33, Bentworth ran a fake punt on fourth down for a first down only to have it called back on an illegal procedure penalty. Bearcat quarterback Gary Puskarich's pass on the next play fell incomplete, giving the Trojans the football.

California only needed five plays to make the score 7-0. After quarterback Don Higinbothom ran 10 yards for a first down, Ryan Robinson handled the rest of the load on the drive.

Robinson ran for gains of five, 17, and two yards before going in from 28 yards to put the Trojans on the scoreboard with 2:41 remaining in the first quarter.

For the game, Robinson finished with 149 yards on 19 caries.

'Ryan is our go-to guy; there is no doubt about that,' said Howell. 'He has the all-around ability. He can cut, slash, and run up the middle. He can honestly do it all. I am glad he is on our team.'

Robinson made a believer out of Gambita.

'He is a hell of a back,' said Gambita. 'We knew that he would get his yards. But he is real good.'

But unfortunately for the Bearcats, Robinson did more damage.

With 6:56 left in the first half, Robinson took a middle screen pass from Higinbothom and raced 45 yards for another score. Robinson finished with two receptions for 53 yards.

'Our line blocked real well on the touchdown pass,' said Howell. 'They did a good job all night long. Bentworth had eight guys in the box all night. They blitzed a lot and our line made good adjustments. We had to fight for our yards.'

Higinbothom finished the night 3 of 10 for 53 yards for the Trojans. Gary Puskarich finished 4 of 18 for 41 yards for the Bearcats.

After exchanging punts, the Trojans held the Bearcats to a three-and-out from the Bentworth eight-yard line.

California took over at the Bentworth 33 yard-line and scored with 0:57 left in the half when Higinbothom went in from one-yard out. The play was set up by an 18-yard gain by Robinson.

The Trojans led 21-0 going into the half. Neither team scored in the second half.

'I give the Bentworth staff and players all the credit in the world,' said Howell. 'They made some great adjustments at the half. We could not get it going. Bentworth fought hard.'

We moved better in the second half,' said Gambita. 'Our kids did not quit. Cal is a good team, and we played them even. We are not that far away (from being a good team).'

Both coaches were relieved to finally get their first game in as head coaches.

'This was a big night for me,' said an emotional Howell, the first-year Trojan mentor. 'For me it is a dream come true to coach at my alma mater. I had tears in my eyes as I talked to the boys before and after the game. This means so much to me. And I saw Coach (Pete) Petroff in the stands. He was my coach, and I picked up so much from him. He means so much to me.'

'I am still getting used to my players, and they are still getting used to me,' said Gambita. 'Now we have the first game in. We will grow together as one.'

The road won't get any easier for the Bearcats. They head to Carmichaels on Friday and then host Monessen the following week.

California hosts Frazier next week and then heads to Geibel Sept. 14th.

GAMES NOTES: Bentworth, which gave up 138 yards in the first half, only yielded 60 to the Trojans in the second half. The Trojans, who had 56 yards passing in the first half, only had eight in the second half. Bentworth had 125 total yards, including 84 on the ground. Gary Puskarich ran for 41 of those 84 yards on one play during Bentworth's first drive. California finished with 17 first downs while Bentworth had seven. Bentworth fumbled five times, losing three. California fumbled twice, but retained the ball both times. The Trojans lined up for two field goals, but never got the kicks off.