Clemente back in playoff picture

Updated: March 22, 2011 5:22PM

Malcolm Robinson ran for 130 yards and a touchdown as Clemente worked its way into a possible spot in the state playoffs with its 30-14 win over Taft on Friday at Lane Stadium.

The Wildcats earned new life Thursday when league-leading and undefeated Senn gave Foreman its second loss in the Big Shoulders.

Clemente now is tied for second place in the league at 4-2 with Taft and Foreman. Only two teams from the Big Shoulders qualify for the state tournament. Senn is 8-0 overall and 6-0 in the conference.

"This was a big game for us," said Clemente coach Christopher Pearson, who believes the Wildcats never have played in the state tournament in their history. "It's going to be even bigger next week. We're trying to get this program somewhere."

Clemente plays Thursday at Hanson Stadium against Schurz.

Meanwhile, Taft, which played without starting quarterback Mike Shewchuk, blew its chance to move one step closer to getting to the state playoffs for the second consecutive season. The Eagles needed to win out to secure their place in school history, but they fell to 6-2 overall.

The Eagles took a 7-6 lead with 3:46 to go in the first quarter after backup quarterback Kurt Klumak guided the team on an 11-yard scoring drive. His eight-yard pass to Sebastian Pinillos and Francisco Lozano's extra point put Taft ahead by one.

Melvin Jackson returned the lead to the Wildcats for good midway through the second quarter after scoring on an 11-yard run on fourth-and-two.

Robinson started Clemente on the right road with a 46-yard touchdown run on the game's first series. The Wildcats used 11 runners to gain 282 yards. Four players scored.

"We just wanted to do what we do and make them stop us," said Pearson, whose team improved to 5-3 overall. "That's not saying anything against Taft. It's just that we aren't going to change what we do. You have to stop us in what we do."

Shewchuk dressed out, but the senior sat on the sidelines with a sprained throwing shoulder. Klumak didn't hurt the Eagles. The junior went 10-for-22 for 87 yards and accounted for both TDs. He didn't throw an interception, but he lost a fumble. Clemente couldn't capitalize on the turnover.

Omar Ramirez rushed for 56 yards on 13 carries and also lost a fumble.

Taft tries to regroup next week against Prosser (3-5, 3-3) on Thursday at Lane Stadium.

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