Seaside Surges Past Taft 28-7 Behind Three-Touchdown Second Quarter
| Quarter 1 | Quarter 2 | Quarter 3 | Quarter 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SEA | 0 | 21 | 7 | 0 | 28 |
| TAF | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
SEASIDE, Ore. - Seaside broke open a scoreless game with three touchdowns in the second quarter, building a 21-0 halftime lead on the way to a 28-7 league victory over Taft on Friday night. Trey McCleary scored twice during the decisive surge, helping the Gulls overcome five turnovers and pull away with a powerful rushing attack.
McCleary put Seaside on the board with a 2-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. He struck again from 4 yards out to double the lead before Brayden Cooley connected with Kane Israel for a 10-yard touchdown. Three successful extra points sent the Gulls into halftime firmly in front, 21-0.
Taft responded after halftime with a 2-yard touchdown run that cut the margin to 21-7, but Seaside quickly restored its three-score advantage. Efrain Ramirez broke loose for a 30-yard touchdown run, and the ensuing extra point completed the scoring. The Gulls then protected the 28-7 advantage through a scoreless fourth quarter.
Seaside's ground game powered the offense throughout the night. Cooley led the Gulls with 102 rushing yards on eight carries, including a 33-yard run, and completed 4 of 9 passes for 30 yards and a touchdown. McCleary finished with 73 yards and two touchdowns on 18 attempts, while Ramirez added 74 yards and a score on nine carries. Israel's 10-yard touchdown reception capped the first-half outburst.
The Gulls outgained Taft 310-221 and held a commanding 280-114 advantage in rushing yards. Seaside converted 6 of 10 third downs, produced 16 first downs and scored on all four extra-point attempts. The defense also delivered two interceptions and three sacks while holding Taft to 3-for-12 on third down and 0-for-4 on fourth down. Those stops helped offset Seaside's three lost fumbles and two interceptions.
With a strong league win secured at home, Seaside now turns its attention to an away game against Tillamook at 7 p.m. PDT Friday, Sept. 25. The Gulls will look to carry forward the physical rushing attack and defensive pressure that fueled their victory over Taft.
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