Trojans tripped up at home

Don't expect the name Brandon Vaitautolu to be on the any of the Trojans players Christmas card lists this season.

Vaitautolu rushed for 186 yards on 26 carries and scored three times, including the eventual game-winner with 2:33 remaining in the fourth quarter Friday, as the Orland High football team fell 29-22 at home.

The Trojans - who were held to 146 yards rushing in 40 attempts instead went to the pass to open up a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Brandon Smith found Casey Gingrich on a two-yard scoring pass to give Orland the lead after one, as Alberto Munoz added the PAT.

The Blazers tied the game on a 26-yard interception return in the second period, but Smith connected with Jose Huerta on a 76-yard touchdown pass, with Munoz splitting the uprights to give the Trojans a 14-7 lead at the break.

Vaitautolu scored on a 23-yard run to tie the game at 14-14 after three.

Lindhurst took its first lead when he scored his second TD on a five-yard carry, but once more, Smith fired a 30-yard scoring strike to Huerta with 4:06 remaining, before Vaitautolu punched it in for his third score of the night.

Smith was 7-of-15 passing, for 148 yards and three TDs. He was also picked off once, as was Ray Heckox.

Gingrich's 16 carries for 72 yards led the ground game for Orland, with Huerta pitching in 61 yards on 11 attempts.

Huerta caught four balls for 126 yards, and John Evans set the standard on defense, with 12 tackles.

Orland (1-1) has another tough challenge this week, traveling to Corning to face the Cardinals (1-0).