Cimarron sails past Clark

Matt O'Brien

Friday, Sept. 10, 1999 | 10:13 a.m.

Local prep pundits who forecasted a down year for perennial power Cimarron-Memorial may already be reconsidering their predictions.

The Spartans, who graduated several key contributors from last year's state championship squad, apparently have reloaded. After soundly defeating Mojave and Vahalla (Calif.) in the opening two games of the '99 campaign, Cimarron continued to impress Thursday night, crushing visiting Clark 41-14 at Veterans Stadium.

The decisive victory improved the Spartans to 3-0 on the season (2-0 Sunset). The outmanned Chargers fell to 1-2 (1-2 Sunset).

"People can look at our record and say we're three and zero, but if you look at the film we have some work to do," said Cimarron coach Greg Spencer. "Our expectations are high this season."

Spencer may have been the only person in the stadium unimpressed with Cimarron's effort. The Spartans, keyed by a 55-yard scamper by Kellen Marshall, scored on the opening drive of the game, then put the Chargers away with three more touchdowns in the final 3:35 of the first half.

"We didn't come out (to start the game) like we should've," said Spartan quarterback Jacob Smeltzer, who threw three TDs in the first half, two to tight end Anthony Bass. "But we took it to them in the second quarter."

Smeltzer also connected with wide receiver Brandon Paulo for a 47-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Running back Andre Rhodes added a 22-yard TD run in the frame.

Marshall and Steve Price also contributed to the victory. Marshall, a sophomore, finished with 145 yards on 21 carries and Price, who was celebrating a birthday, had two interceptions and scored on a two-yard run late in the fourth quarter.

"I feel excited (about my performance)," said Marshall, who helped grind the clock out in the anticlimactic second half. "I just ran on instinct and did the best I could."

The Chargers, who only had 10 first downs, crossed the goal line early in the second and fourth quarters.

Quarterback Charles Henderson scored on a five-yard run with 10:15 left in the second, then hooked up with wide receiver Kenson Francois on a five-yard slant with 11:57 remaining.

Clark was outrushed in the game 310 to 31.