Pearland rolls over Elkins 41-0

Wednesday, 16 November 2011 13:27

ALVIN — Garner, Robinson, Defense spark playoff win

Pearland jump started their 2011 playoffs with a solid 41-0 thrashing of the Elkins Knights to advance to the Class 5A Region III Division I area round.

The Oilers (9-2) will face former district rival Deer Park (9-2) on Friday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. at Galena Park ISD Stadium.

The defending Class 5A Division I state champions have improved each week from the start of the season and it showed as the offense and defense dominated on both sides of the ball.

The offense outgained Elkins 398 to 240 yards while holding their prolific passing attack to a mere 65 yards on only 8-of-24 passing including three interceptions by Pearland's DyQuan Roberts, Cornelius Barber, and Emry Flanagan.

Meanwhile, Pearland elected to take advantage of a very weak run defense by Elkins as senior Jackie Robinson gained 227 yards on 25 carries and one touchdown while QB Jake Garner also showed nifty feet with 12 carries for 101 yards and two scores.

The Oilers didn't need a passing attack though Garner was 3-of-4 for 34 yards with one score with Adam Saunders catching one pass for a 10-yard TD in the third quarter.

While the defense was forcing Elkins quarterback Jake Burkhalter to run for his life for most of the game, the offense methodically opened up a 21-point first quarter lead as John Gibberman scored on a 10-yard run; Garner scored on a 1-yard sneak; and Robinson skirted right end for a 6-yard TD with 2:48 remaining in the opening 12 minutes of action.

That would be all the scoring in the opening two periods as the Oilers took a 21-0 lead into the dressing room at intermission thanks to a great goal line stand at the close of the first half.

Knowing that Elkins' high-octane offense could put them back in the game in the second half, the Pearland defense intensified their effort even more.

Getting the second half kick off, the Knights picked up a first down before having to punt.

The Oilers offense promptly moved down the field to score on a 10-yard run by Adam Saunders. The drive was sparked by a 26-yard run by Robinson. The PAT was good and the score improved to 28-0 with 5:16 remaining in the third period.

Pearland held Elkins on their next possession to only three plays, but opened the door when the Oilers fumbled the ball on the punt return giving the Knights great field position at the Pearland 24.

The Pearland defense stepped up once again to thwart an Elkins scoring effort to get the ball back on a fourth down incomplete pass.

Pearland's offense got the ball at their own 11 and scored on an 89-yard, 6-play drive capped off by a 1-yard sneak by Garner. Once again, it was Robinson who sparked the drive with a sensational 57-yard run to the one-yard line before being pushed out of bounds.

That gave Pearland a 34-0 advantage after the PAT missed the mark with 11:46 left in the game.

Elkins could never get anything going for the remainder of the game.

With 4:19 left in the contest, Chase Miller scored on a 7-yard run. Michael Winstead added the extra point to post the 41-0 final score.

Pearland improves to 9-2 on the season while Elkins falls out of the playoffs with an 8-3 mark.

The Oilers will face Deer Park on Friday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Galena Park ISD Stadium. If you are unable to attend - go to: www.reporternewssports.com and join the Live Chat during the game.

RUSHING LEADER - Pearland senior running back Jackie Robinson rushed for 217 yards on 25 carries while scoring on this 6-yard run to lead the Oilers to a 41-0 shutout over Elkins in the opening round of the 5A Division I Region III playoffs. Robinson also eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark for the season with 1,094 yards. The speedster is only the seventh Pearland ball carrier to go over 1,000 yards in a season in the history of the school. (Photo by Randy Edens)