The Eastlake Titans handed new head coach Lee Price his first victory in dramatic fashion last Friday as quarterback Izzack Morales connected with receiver Chris Klugh on a 20-yard touchdown pass in the final minute of play to lift the defending Metro-Mesa League champions to a thrilling come-from-behind 17-16 non-league victory at Vista.
“It was a very frustrating game but Vista played really good defense,” noted Price, whose team received a 33-yard field goal by Aiden Johnson and a 28-yard touchdown reception from Dean Klaser in the first half. “We held them to five first downs and they were stopped nine times on three-and-outs. Our defense was stellar.
“We need to cut out the penalties (180 yards) and play better special teams (a kick-off return against us for a touchdown) and that will help. Our offense is very close to clicking and we are working very hard on it. I’m thrilled with the win but I would like it to be less exciting next time.”
Eastlake (1-1) plays at Los Alamitos (1-0) in its next game on Friday, Sept. 12. Isaiah Strayhorn leads Eastlake with 261 rushing yards through two games while Traylon Reed has rushed 21 times for 121 yards.
Castle Park 57, LJCD 24
Jordan Danielson completed six of 14 passing attempts for 176 yards, with two touchdown passes, and also rushed eight times for 61 yards while scoring three touchdowns to lead the host Trojans to their first win of the season.
Castle Park rolled up 454 yards in total offense, including 278 rushing yards, in vanquishing the Torreys (0-2). Angel Sales rushed 10 times for 108 yards and scored two touchdowns while Mylik Steen had 58 yards on six carries and scored once.
Danielson scored a quarterback rating of 129.5 points. He tossed scoring passes to Luc Barcoo (three catches, 112 yards) and Adrian Tolbert (one catch, 50 yards).
The Trojans, who racked up eight TDs in the game, led 35-7 at halftime. Miguel Flores led the hosts with 13 tackles while Mike Valladares and Barcoo each had one interception to further bolster the CPHS defense. Arthur Zertuche was six-for-six on PAT conversions.
Otay Ranch 42, Grossmont 31
Quarterback Arturo Saenz passed for 146 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for an additional score as the Mustangs (2-0) remained undefeated on the season.
Adrian Rodriguez had 126 receiving yards and two TDs while Sam Stephens scored one rushing touchdown, Sergio Ayon scored one touchdown on a fumble recovery and Dorsey Furlow scored one touchdown on a kick-off return. Alec Cortez added six kicking points.
Mar Vista 30, Clairemont 0
The Mariners scored their first win of the season with four touchdowns, one field goal and a defensive shutout of the visiting Chiefs (0-2). Khalil Spruill led Mar Vista with touchdown runs of two and eight yards while Mateo Olmos scored on a 25-yard run and Jacob Hinojosa scored on a fumble recovery to pace the hosts. Abe Sanchez also kicked a 15-yard field goal.
The Mariners next play at Santa Cruz Harbor (0-0) on Friday, Sept. 12. It is the season opener for the Pirates.
