Generals maul the Arvin Bears, 56-6

The Shafter High Generals dominated their opponent for the second week in a row to open their season 2-0 with a 56-6 win over the Arvin Bears. In two weeks, the Generals have outscored their opponents 113-13.

Led by sophomore quarterback Ezekiel Osborn, Shafter scored early and often as they scored on their first three possessions of the game, going up 20-0 in the first quarter. The scoring started with a powerful run up the middle by Christopher Espinoza for an 11-yard touchdown run. On their next series, after the Generals' defense gave the offense the ball with a fumble recovery, Osborn connected with Ernesto Guerrero on a 65-yard touchdown pass.

Osborn ended the game with 9-12 passing for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Speedy Jesus Vasquez accounted for 75 yards rushing, with one touchdown of 35 yards. Espinoza had three touchdowns on the night to lead the team in scoring.

The Generals' defense had another outstanding game, keeping the Bears offense out of the red zone for the majority of the game. They also forced three turnovers and had numerous tackles for losses.

With the victory, the Generals will take a 2-0 record into their toughest test to date, when they visit Griffith Field to take on the Drillers of Bakersfield High.

The Generals, the second oldest team in Kern County's history, will take on the oldest team in the county.

The junior varsity team of Shafter continued their excellence as well, beating Arvin, 43-16. With a 34-0 win against West in their first game, the Colonels have shown a great balance on offense and a stingy defense that gives the offense numerous opportunities a game.

The games on Friday night at Bakersfield High School will kick off at 5 p.m. for the junior varsity, and the varsity will start at 7:30 p.m.