FULLERTON – Once the Buena Park offense emerged from an early turnover haze, it became evident that Zach Taylor has some dangerous playmakers with whom he can share the ball.
Taylor ended the first two Buena Park possessions Friday night by throwing interceptions.
He had another in the second half, but still completed 20 of 27 passes for 350 yards and three touchdowns to lead Buena Park to a 42-19 Freeway League road victory over Troy at Fullerton High on Friday night.
The key was simple. Do what Buena Park (7-2, 3-1) does best.
“In the beginning, we were trying to force a lot of stuff,” the senior quarterback said. “We just had to settle down, play our game and do what works for us.”
Part of that script meant getting the ball to speedy wide receiver Jeremiah Hawkins. Hawkins proved to be nearly impossible to tackle with the ball in open space as his 159 yards receiving proved.
“One of our goals is to get our playmakers the ball and he’s one of them,” Taylor said.
POSTGAME TALK: How Buena Park regrouped to take down Troy
Buena Park scored touchdowns on four of its five second-half possessions, including a 41-yard TD pass to Taariq Johnson. Taylor had eight pass receptions of at least 15 yards.
“We wanted to take more opportunities down the field,” Buena Park coach Anthony White said. “We’re trying to tell him to stretch the field and they made some great plays.”
On the other side of the field, Troy (4-4, 2-2) put itself in a hole early, committing three early turnovers, but trailed just 14-0 at halftime. However, the Warriors’ comeback bid took a big hit with leading rusher Draytwoine Shaw sitting out the second half with an apparent ankle injury.
Brett Ferguson rushed for three second-half touchdowns for the Warriors. One of the defensive standouts for Troy was David Ramirez, who had two interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Contact the writer: dcalhoun@ocregister.com
