Wheatland opens with rout

The first day of autumn is just around the corner, but it felt more like the month of May at John Sohrakoff, Jr. Field on Friday night.

It seemed as if Wheatland High's track squad, rather than football team, was on display against the Oroville High Tigers — which is partly true.

Pirates tailback Derick Seward, who also happens to be part of Wheatland's 4x100 relay team, rushed for 130 yards on eight carries for the Pirates, including three touchdowns to lead Wheatland to a 41-14 blowout over Oroville to open the 2010 season.

Seward only had 10 yards rushing in the first half with a two-yard score in the first quarter, but exploded in the second half.

On the very first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, the senior went 71 yards to paydirt to extend Wheatland's lead to 27-7. For added measure, Seward scored from 49 yards out with 3:30 remaining in the third quarter.

Coach Javier Lopez has talked about the great team speed he has on offense this season, but was even more impressed that his defense held the Tigers to 7 points up until the final minute.

"I think we're going to be fine defensively," Lopez said. "We just need a game or two under our belt to make the right adjustments and get the right kids in the right places. I'll take 41-14 on the first day anytime."

After Seward's score in the first quarter, Oroville answered right back with a 74-yard, 8-minute drive of its own to knot the score at 7-7.

Wheatland would go right back ahead after a 73-yard run from fullback Javy Lopez set up a 14-yard touchdown run from LaCarlis Moore, another member of that 4x100 relay team.

Moore added a 71-yard touchdown reception from quarterback John Millington on a seam route right down the middle to put Wheatland ahead 20-7 at halftime.

That offensive possession was set up by an interception from senior safety Dalton McCoy.