QB Michael Karls Leads Stunning 27-0 Road Win Over Steelers

(LONG BEACH) — Former Palm Springs High School star Michael Karls threw two touchdowns and engineered five scoring drives — while the ‘Darkside Defense’ pitched their second shutout of the season — as the SoCal Coyotes (2-1) rolled to a 27-0 victory over the SoCal Steelers.

The SoCal Coyotes flexed the depth of their roster, plugging scores of replacement players into their well-oiled offensive and defensive schemes in a stunning display of selfless team play.

Slotbacks Jimmy Awolesi and DeMario Brown both caught touchdowns, while S-back LeRon Wilson rushed for another score off a Karls option pitch. Kicker Dan Kelly was perfect on two field goals and extra points.

Thirteen Coyote starters did not play due to injury, work or travel conflicts. Most notably missing was record-setting quarterback Nate Lewis, who played last week in a loss against the Inglewood Blackhawks despite severe pain in his throwing shoulder. Team physician Sydney Pardino held Lewis out against the Steelers.

Up stepped Karls, a blue-chip prospect who won a CIF championship at Palm Springs High and starred and graduated from Midlands University. Karls’ dazzling scrambling, running and passing confounded the exhausted Steelers who spent most of the afternoon chasing him in temperatures that hovered in the low 90s.

The Coyotes improve to 2-1 in LaBelle Community Football League (LCFL) play, while the Steelers fall to 1-2.

The Coyotes will enjoy a much-needed break for their walking wounded, before returning to action October 4 at home against the arch-rival San Diego Thunder.