POWER OUTAGE CAN'T STOP PUMAS:ATOE RUNS FOR 2 TDS, THROWS 2 TDS TO KEYCARRILLO'S FIRST PLAYOFF VICTORY SINCE 2005

Where was Maria Carrillo when the lights went out?

Leading 6-0 and playing rugged defense on its home field in a North Coast Section Division 2 playoff opener against Dougherty Valley. Not much changed for the Pumas after a 20-minute power outage in the second quarter. They took over on a punt when the lights came back on and drove 69 yards to a touchdown, going up 14-0 with a successful 2-point conversion.

By the time this muddy game was over, eighth-seeded Maria Carrillo was walking off the field with a 34-6 victory.

Sam Atoe ran for two touchdowns, threw two long scoring passes on broken plays and keyed an inspired defense from his middle linebacker position, helping the Pumas to their first postseason win since 2005.

The Carrillo defense was absolutely stifling in the first half when it held the Wildcats to 1 total yard, minus-5 yards rushing and just one first down.

Meanwhile, Atoe hit Nick Pinney for a 31-yard touchdown in the second quarter and found Emilio Pollock from 35 yards out in the third to supplement his own short runs. Junior-varsity call-up Sage Ritchie finished the scoring with a 30-yard run late in the game.

Now things get really tough: a quarterfinal game against Concord, the No. 1 seed in the division.

"If we come out and play our game and don't let them dictate, I think we'll give them a good run for their money," Atoe said, steam still rising from his body in the cold, damp air. "It will definitely be a dogfight."

You can reach Staff Writer Phil Barber at 521-5263 or phil.barber@pressdemocrat.com.