By Kellie Caparula
Sports Staff
10-21-2008

Big Pine beat Trona 26-22 Friday, and with the win made it through the toughest part of its season undeafeated, downing its third ranked opponent in a row.
But the win for Big Pine over Trona did not come easy.
The Warriors trailed 16-14 at the half and were hampered in the first part of the game by fumbles, penalties and the Tornadoes’ running game, said Big Pine head coach Mark Tillemans.

Skylar Amisone runs the ball in the Warriors game last week against Lighthouse Christain, while David Seymour blocks. Photo by Kellie Caparula

Big Pine made adjustments at the half and were able to slow the Trona running game by putting in quicker players.
The adjustments worked as the Warriors scored coming out of halftime and gave themselves a 20-16 lead.
Big Pine’s lead did not last long. Trona was able to capitalize on a missed interception by the Warriors in the fourth quarter and take the lead.
The Tornadoes’ lead did not keep long either as Chance Colvin returned the kickoff and scored the winning touchdown.
Colvin was not done helping his team. After the score, he had a key interception to seal the victory for Big Pine.
The win for the Warriors ends three weeks of playing ranked teams.
Big Pine’s tough schedule  should help them when they get to playoffs.
“Making it through this schedule we’re able to go into the playoffs confident were one of the top teams,” Tillemans said.
Big Pine will finish out its season against three teams who are currently unranked.  This could be dangerous for the Warriors if they do not take their opponents seriously.
But Big Pine is respecting all the teams on its schedule, Tillemans said.
“I don’t foresee us slipping mentally,” he said.
Tillemans said he will use the games against weaker opponents to step up his  team’s conditioning and will start his younger players next weekend against Baker.
“This is the fun part of the season because we get to try out new things,” Tillemans said.
With the win, Big Pine remains a perfect 6-0 and will play Baker for Homecoming Saturday at 1 p.m.