Qualk has 143 yards, 3 TDs as Trojans move to 3-2

California continues its march through the Tri-County South with a 58-0 win over Mapletown.

After outscoring its first two Tri-County South opponents by a staggering 112-14 margin, California extended its dominant conference run Friday night with a 58-0 win over Mapletown.

The Trojans wasted no time setting the tone, capping their opening drive with a blistering 50-yard touchdown run from standout running back Lee Qualk, whose agility and speed left the Maples’ defense scrambling and immediately put California in control.

Qualk added two more touchdowns on the ground, finishing the day with 143 yards on just 10 carries. His ability to break tackles and find open space made him nearly unstoppable for the Maples’ defense, which struggled to contain him all night.

“Lee’s been huge for us,” California head coach Ed Woods said. “He runs hard and has good footwork, but it’s his vision and the way he reads the defense that really sets him apart being able to see the whole field.

“He’s a very humble guy and he knows in order for him to have success, that offensive line needs to do a good job as well, and he appreciates and trusts all the things those guys do.”

Quarterback Logan Hartley played with poise and precision, managing the game and taking advantage of opportunities when they arose.

Early in the second quarter, Hartley connected with wide receiver Gerald Williams for a 38-yard touchdown, extending the Trojans’ lead to 20-0.

Adin Keyes contributed in a big way as well, with a 30yard rushing touchdown on California’s next possession and later adding an electrifying 90-yard interception return for a touchdown that ended the first half with the Trojans (3-2, 3-0) firmly in control.

“Just being able to stay consistent and keeping things simple,” Woods responded when asked about his team’s offensive success. “I think the key for us has been simplifying things a bit and going with what works. We focus on establishing the run, setting the tone early and everything else falls into place.”

While the offense shined, California’s defense was equally dominant, shutting down Mapletown’s offense and holding them to 71 total yards.

The Maples (1-4, 1-2) hurt themselves with turnovers, including two key fumbles in the third quarter. They turned into touchdowns for senior linebacker Christian Ross, who recovered both fumbles and returned them for backto- back scores in the first three minutes of the second half.

Mapletown’s offense had no answers for California’s swarming defense, which consistently applied pressure and forced multiple turnovers throughout the game.

Woods emphasized that it’s the leadership from key players that has helped drive the team’s success this season.

“We have a great group of leaders this year,” he said. “Guys like Lee, Niko (Georgagis) and Logan are setting the tone, not just with their play, but with their preparation and focus. They all work really hard and lead by example. As a team, we’re taking it one game at a time, and that’s the mindset we have to keep going forward.”

With the dominant victory, California sits at the top of the Tri-County South in their push toward a section title.

The Trojans will look to maintain their momentum against Carmichaels at home Friday.