The multifaceted running attack of Palmer Ridge’s option offense churned up plenty of yardage. More importantly it allowed the Bears to control the clock, leading the Bears to a 28-21 victory over Pikes Peak No. 9 The Classical Academy on Friday night.

Chris Paffett took an option pitch 4 yards for the winning score, and Brock Dowling ran in the 2-point conversion for insurance with about 9 minutes left in the fourth quarter.

Paffett, Howard Winn, Mike Hamlin and quarterback Hunter Warwick combined for 292 rushing yards and 48 carries. Hamlin and Warwick scored on 5- and 69-yard running plays, respectively, in the first half, as the Bears (3-1) took a 17-14 lead.

“We like to have a lot of guys carry the ball,” Paffett said. “ … We have a fast backfield and we have a strong backfield, too.”

Pine Creek’s Matt Mechtly score the game’s only touchdown. Photo by KEVIN KRECK/THE GAZETTE