Washington lifts Colton, 39-22

Washington lifts Colton, 39-22
George Alfano, Correspondent
Article Launched: 11/23/2007 11:29:44 PM PST


COLTON - Travell Washington was first on offense, first on defense and six times on the scoreboard for the Colton High School football team.

The senior standout ran for four scores, had an 88-yard touchdown reception and a 95-yard fumble return for a score to lead Colton to a 39-22 victory over Moreno Valley Rancho Verde on Friday in the CIF-Southern Section Central Division quarterfinals.

Colton (8-3) has reached the semifinals for the first time in 25 years. They will go on the road to play Canyon Springs Friday in Moreno Valley. The Yellowjackets have won six consecutive games.

"We call Travell our ball of energy because he never runs out of gas," Colton coach Harold Strauss said. "He had a heckuva night."

Colton jumped to a quick 7-0 lead by driving 70 yards on nine plays. They came up with clutch plays, converting a third-and-17 when Nick Reyes completed a 34-yard pass to Daniel Sorenson at the Rancho Verde 42-yard line. D.J. Stallion also had an 11-yard gain to convert on fourth down at the Mustangs' 27. Washington raced for a 17-yard touchdown one play later.

Washington managed a big play, which resulted in a 14-point turnaround. He recovered a fumble and raced 95 yards to give Colton a 13-0 lead with 4:38 remaining in the first quarter.

"Dan (Sorenson) made the hit on the ballcarrier and the ball bounced up to me, and I took it to the house," Washington said. "We were more physical tonight; we knew we had to stop the pass.

Colton will face a Canyon Springs team which has an open passing attack like Rancho Verde.

"When you get to this level, it's not how good you are, it's how much you want it and how much you are willing to put out," Strauss said.