Hales knocks off Julian

Updated: September 10, 2011 10:05PM

While Julian anxiously awaits the outcome of the eligibility hearing involving star quarterback DaeShaun Hurley, they can expect no sympathy from their opponents, especially Hales, who is looking to establish a identity of its own under new coach Randel Townsel.

The Spartans (2-1) took advantage of the situation and defeated Julian 28-6 Saturday at Hales.

The game featured two of the most highly touted players in the state: Hales receiver Willie Allen and Julian defensive back/wide reciever DeMarlon Morris.

Hales opened up the scoring early in the first quarter on a blocked punt by linebacker Kundall Nowlings that was recovered in the end zone by linebacker Yenka Sykes.

There was no more scoring until the fourth quarter, when the Spartans took advantage of a shanked punt and drove 23 yards in four plays, scoring on a four-yard pass to Antone Simmons from quarterback Christopher Walker with 7:13 remaining.

Morris made things interesting when he returned the ensuing kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 14-6 with 6:54 remaining.

The door was slammed shut by Joe Morrow of Hales when he scored from three yards out, capping an eight-play, 56-yard drive.

“This is a reflection of the work that we have put in,” said Townsel, who starred for the Jaguars (1-2) as a defensive back in the early 1980s. “We didn’t play our best game and we now we have to play a lot better next week during league play.”

Townsel also singled out Walker. “He did a great job running our offense and did a very good job on [Morris]. He is a Ohio St.-type player.”

Julian coach Jason Alexander says he is optimistic about Hurley. “Expect this to be resolved in the next couple of days,” Alexander said. “The kid belongs on the field.”

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