Dino football winning streak at two for first time in 11 years

By Sun Advocate

Thanks to an impressive 17-7 win over the American Leadership Academy Eagles, the Carbon Dinos have opened their 2011-2012 season with two straight victories. Not since the 2000 season have the Dinos been able to post back-to-back wins. In fact, 2007 was the last time they won two games in a season.
The breaks seemed to be with Carbon from the beginning Friday night, as the Dinos won the coin flip and took the kick-off. An early ALA interception off Dino starting Quarterback Dakota Cisneros resulted in a quick seven points for the Eagles, forcing Carbon to dig in. Through the first quarter, the Dinos were unable to score but put together some sustained drives that took the punch out of the ALA defense as game began to wear on.
With a little over 7:35 in the second quarter Ozzie Loaiza blocked an ALA punt and Tanner Gagnon was able to snag the loose ball in the end zone for the first Dino points of the night. Gagnon hit the extra point as well to tie the game at seven.
The Carbon defense, which was strong all night, was able to get the ball back late in the half on an interception. An ensuing face mask penalty against ALA put the ball on about the five yard line for the Dinos. On the drive’s second play Daulton Nelson powered in the ball on a one yard dive. Gagnon again nailed the point after.
With Carbon hanging on a tenuous 14-7 lead, the team let their stellar defense keep the Eagles from moving the ball. In the third, it looked like the Dinos had added a field goal, however, the officials ruled it did not split the uprights.
Finally, late in the fourth, Carbon was able to again capitalize on an interception and hit a field goal with 2:42 left in the game. It looked like the Dinos would stop ALA deep in their own territory, but a late penalty gave the Eagles new life. ALA marched down the gridiron for their best drive of the game but the Dino defense stepped up and held on for a huge victory.
Head coach Jeff Blanc was ecstatic as he lined up with his team for the post-game ritual of shaking hands with their opposition.
“Tremendous win,” he exclaimed! “This is a great victory and we are happy!”
The student body and cheerleaders flooded the field for a night of celebrating.
More in-depth game analysis and player statistics will be available in the Tuesday edition of the Sun Advocate. Carbon will take on Ben Lomand at home on Friday at 7 p.m., as they try and climb to 3-0.