TOP-RANKED SOCAL COYOTES DOMINATE VEGAS TROJANS, 56-12

(INDIO) – Former Cortland State All-American running back and league-leader Dylan Peebles scored three touchdowns and broke 100 yards for the fourth time this season to lead the four-time champion SoCal Coyotes to a 56-12 win over the visiting Vegas Trojans Saturday night.

With the dominating victory, the Coyotes (5-0) remain the Southern California Football League’s only undefeated team. For the once-nationally ranked Trojans, the loss ended hopes for a title run of their own. The Coyotes, ranked #13 nationally and atop the SCFL, continue their post-season pursuit.

Quarterback Jacob Russell, the former NAIA National Player of the Year who also leads the SCFL in every category, picked apart the Trojan defense. Russell scattered touchdowns to Rashad ‘The Franchise’ Roberts, Chad Ward Jr. and the electrifying Jarrod Harrington, who led all receivers and returners. Harrington, also a former collegian All-American, leads the league in both categories.

Zavier Steward, the SCFL’s second-leading rusher, added a spectacular second-half run. Steward broke four tackles before darting 30 yards for another Coyote score.

A relentless Darkside Defense’ harassed Trojan quarterbacks throughout the game, including a thunderous sack from defensive end Kwame Bell. Coyotes all-time sack leader Jake Sheffield added to his career totals with five tackles, two for loss, another sack, a forced fumble and recovery for a defensive touchdown. Lineman Jerimiah Spicer had four tackles and a sack, while linebacker Azziz Higgins also sacked Trojan QB Brandon Brooks, who did not finish the game.

In the second half, a devastating tackle from Coyote linebacker Robert Caldwell forced another Trojan fumble that was returned to the Vegas 19 by ShaRon Irwin. Peebles rumbled in on the next play, shredding tacklers in his wake.

On the season, the Coyotes have now outscored opponents 332-22. In their last two meetings against the Trojans dating back to 2014, the Coyotes have outscored Vegas 115-47.

In their final two regular-season games, the Coyotes travel this week to the San Diego Thunder, then return home to host the Inglewood Blackhawks on Sunday, October 16.

Last year, in three franchise-record-setting wins over the Blackhawks in a single season, the Coyotes outscored Inglewood 117-64. Two of those were on the road in the challenging environment of Jackie Robinson Stadium, including the last one, a decisive 31-14 title victory that made the Coyotes the defending 2015 LCFL champions.

-Scott Alvarez, Quality Control and Director of Film

GENERAL AIR CONDITIONING AND PLUMBING gave away more than $4,000 in prizes and gift cards during Saturday night’s game. Fans will have their next opportunity on Sunday, October 16, when the Coyotes face the Inglewood Blackhawks at 3 p.m.

THANKS FOR THE PIZZA, TROJANS – For Coyote fans, as Coyote scores go up, the price of your pizza goes down at Round Table. When the Coyotes win by 30 or more, bring your game ticket to any Round Table location and ask for your discount.

CONVEYOR BELT OF CHARACTER – The four-time champion SoCal Coyotes non-profit sports leadership organization is a conveyor belt of character, competence, and connection, delivering life-changing leadership skills to more than 30,000 Coachella Valley youth each year through an array of programs, camps, clinics and expos.

SEVENTY PLAYERS EACH YEAR earn the distinction of ‘Defending the Shield’ in the uniform of the SoCal Coyotes. Many will earn a shot with NFL, CFL or AFL opportunities, or graduate into business careers.

FAITH, FAMILY, FOOTBALL is the real mission of the Coyotes – and not surprisingly, something that dates back to the great Vince Lombardi in 1959. More than game tape. More than a weight room. More than a 40 time. The Coyote mission reaches far beyond the actual gridiron, deep into the development of young athletes as fathers, husbands, and men.

DISCOVER how The Pro Football Educator, operated by former Denver Broncos GM and two-time Super Bowl winner Ted Sundquist, selected the SoCal Coyotes as America’s #1 Developmental Pro Football Program.

Visit www.facebook.com/thesocalcoyotes.

TO SEE LEAGUE STATS and standings, visit www.hostedsports.com, and click on Southern California Football League.

For more information, email [email protected].