Birmingham football triumphs over Cleveland – Daily News

LAKE BALBOA – Birmingham’s starting quarterback Kevin Hawkins didn’t attempt a pass until the final 25 seconds of the first quarter, yet his team had already built a 13-point lead.

That’s the game script the Patriots want. They take the air out of the ball, drain the energy from their opponents and shorten the time. On Friday, Birmingham had over 200 yards on the ground in a 34-7 win over Cleveland in both teams’ third West Valley League game. Running back Dredon Fowles had 91 yards, a rushing touchdown and a kick return touchdown; Braylen Morgan had 92 yards and a touchdown, and Hawkins added 43 yards on the ground.

Surprisingly, however, the Patriots (3-4, 3-0) attempted an uncharacteristic 12 passes (Hawkins completed five of them for 102 yards), a high mark, especially compared to last week’s win over El Camino Real, where they threw just once.

“Everyone knows we’re going to pass the ball first,” Birmingham head coach James Rose said.

The Patriots used their running game as a tool to build a lead and protect it against Cleveland (4-4, 2-1).

The defense took care of the former as linebacker Eddie Plaza intercepted Cleveland quarterback Domenik Fuentes’ first pass attempt and returned it for a touchdown.

Then the ground attack began to boil.

Fowles had five carries for 44 yards and sprinted for an 18-yard touchdown on the Patriots’ first drive. Then, with 5:36 left in the second quarter, Braylen Morgan scored from 9 yards out.

“Morgan is doing a good job,” Rose said of the second-year running back.

Rose appreciates complementary jams. A flash of thunder and lightning, he says. He had that last year with Fowles and downhill skier Ronnell Hewitt, who transferred to Westlake before this season. If he wants a breakthrough this season, he says he’ll turn to Plaza, the two-way star. But Plaza fumbled in the third quarter and Morgan gave Rose something to think about.

Fowles is confident he and Morgan can pull off an impressive one-two.

“I’m more of a speed guy,” Fowles said. “He’s not the fastest, but he’ll definitely drop the shoulder. Overall it’s just a good combination.”

Morgan’s touchdown came right after Hawkins connected with receiver Antrell Harris for a 43-yard gain. Harris had to break off his route to make a play, but he jumped over a Clevand defender to spike the ball.

Hawkins showed off his raw arm talent on that throw and on a 19-yard touchdown pass to Harris just before halftime. He’s still working on putting the whole package together.

During a two-minute drill in the second quarter, Hawkins missed several open opportunities.

“A few people were completely open and he didn’t read properly,” Rose said of Hawkins. “We have to get a little better in the passing game for the coming games.”

The Patriots made more mistakes. They dropped three interceptions and backup quarterback Tobias Bechdolt played three series but completed only one of four passes for -1 yards.