Agoura beaten Royally in league opener Cory Schwartz Acorn Sports Writer

Agoura beaten Royally in league opener Cory Schwartz Acorn Sports Writer

Next game, Agoura might want to petition to skip the third quarter.

The Chargers got burned in the third quarter again as Royal scored 27 points and went on to win 41-25 in a Marmonte League football opener last Thursday at Royal.

Royal (3-1, 1-0) broke open the game after halftime on the strength of three consecutive one-play drives – touchdown runs of 92, 50 and three yards by running back Greg Morris.

Quarterback James Cox added a 27-yard touchdown run on fourth down to extend a 14-6 Highlander halftime advantage to a 41-12 lead.

The Chargers were unable to cut into the lead until late in the game.

Chris Denove, the CIF Southern Section leading passer, threw touchdowns to Devon Jacobs-Quinn and Jordan Grossbart in the final four minutes, but the effort fell short for Agoura.

Denove struggled on the night, going 13 for 41 for 180 yards and two touchdowns with four interceptions.

Denove also had several passes dropped, including three in the end zone.

Geo Martin caught four of Denove’s passes for 73 yards.

Brad Altman rushed for 90 yards on 16 carries for the Chargers (2-2, 0-1) and scored on a three-yard touchdown late in the third quarter.

Agoura also struggled in the third quarter in their loss to Camarillo three weeks ago, allowing 243 yards and three touchdowns on seven plays.

Against Royal, the Chargers gave up 196 yards and 27 points on 12 plays.

Royal took an easy first-half lead, scoring touchdowns on drives of only 30 and 18 yards.

Morris, who scored on a 10-yard touchdown run at the end of the half, rushed for 170 yards and four touchdowns on 11 carries.

The Highlanders rushed for 290 yards on the night.

Cox, who only completed three of 11 passes for 44 yards, rushed for two touchdowns and intercepted a pass.

Matt Smooke was responsible for Agoura’s first-half scoring, connecting on field goals of 42 and 23 yards.