Pace, Decker Help Chargers Thump Rams 41-21
CHANTILLY, VA - Junior running back Torrian Pace led the Chantilly Chargers en route to a 41-21 victory over the Robinson Rams with three touchdowns; two coming on the ground and the other on a precise pass between the Ram's defense from quarterback Austin Decker.
Pace said the key to his domination of the Ram's defense and the team's win was the blocking by the offensive line.
"They blocked well, the receivers blocked well on the outside," Pace said. "I give credit to my coaches and the O line."
Senior tight end and linebacker Jacob Barron caught a touchdown pass from Decker in the fourth quarter.
One of Chantilly's weaknesses this year has been committing too many penalties, coach Mike Lalli said.
"It's just really getting on the kids not to be lazy with their footwork and other things," Lalli said. "Most penalties are attributed to being undisciplined with your footwork, or a little bit lazy and grabbing at people and not being focused."
Decker said that the Chargers use every game they play to enhance the skills of the team and prepare for future games.
"Every time we play another game it's more experience for everybody," Decker said. "We use it to sharpen our offense and defense to get ready because we know we're going to see them [Westfield] again in the playoffs."
Pace had two touchdowns in the first half, including one off of a fumble recovery by the Charger defense, making the score 14-7 in favor of the Chargers at halftime. The Chargers got the ball to kick off the second half and never relinquished their lead.
Senior running back Bugsy Urrutia dashed into the end zone for his only score of the night in the 3rd quarter.
"You gotta love when your running backs are scoring like that," Decker said. "It opens up the pass."
Pace's third touchdown came in the fourth quarter.
"I think the guys ran the ball real well," Lalli said "I think Torrian and Bugsy both really, really did a great job at making good plays out of nothing."
Lalli said that Pace and Urrutia were so dominant in the running game because of the great blocking by their offensive line.
"And the line came up big in the second half, really made some big holes for us," Lalli said.
Decker finished the night with no interceptions and three touchdown passes to three different receivers; Pace, Barron, and senior wide receiver Ian Mills.
