Football is a game predicated a great deal on turnovers and field position. The San Diego Cavers (1-8, 1-4) took advantage of a number of mistakes by the visiting Crawford Colts (0-9, 0-5) last night, jumping to a 35-0 halftime lead on their way to a 56-0 Central League victory.

Not much could have been expected from a pair of winless teams, especially the Colts, who were forced to forfeit last week's game with Coronado because of a shortage of players brought on by injuries and a number of players quitting the team.

“A few more quit during the week, but we got some injured players back,” said first-year coach Mike Ward, whose roster has been cut nearly in half this season.

The Cavers came out looking nothing like a team that had yet to win a game this season.

San Diego coach Paul Turner acknowledged the importance of the win.

“It's a real big win considering our team hasn't won more than three games the past several years,” Turner said. “I'm proud of the guys for sticking it out and being committed to the right things.”

The Colts often misfired, losing two fumbles, allowing five sacks and committing costly penalties.

Cavers quarterbacks attempted only five passes, relying instead on running backs Rashad Ridley (seven carries for 145 yards and two TDs), Snoop White (four carries, 76 yards and two TDs) and Jermaine Carter (three carries, 36 yards and two TDs).

The diminutive but quick Ridley, who scored on runs of 22 and 25 yards, gave credit to the big boys up front.

“Our offensive line put it together this week,” he said.

Carter pointed to the Colts' defense being susceptible to the outside run by bottling up the middle.

“We were able to bounce it to the outside,” said Carter, who scored both of his touchdowns in the first half. “It's good for all the hard work to finally pay off.”

White, who had 26-and 34-yard rushing scores, best summed up his team's feelings:

“Our first win of the season. It feels excellent.”