Southwest’s scores doom Matadors

By Ramon Scott
Updated: November 18, 2017

Mount Miguel quarterback MUGABE MILLER carries against Southwest Friday night. / EDWIN DELGADO PHOTO

2017 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL SDCIF DIVISION 3 QUARTERFINALS

SOUTHWEST (EC) 39, MOUNT MIGUEL 21

EastCountySports.com staff report

EL CENTRO — The Southwest High Eagles defeated the Mount Miguel Matadors, 39-21, in the San Diego CIF Division III quarterfinals here on Friday night.

But the Eagles essentially won the game with a series of touchdowns late in the second quarter to stun the visitors before halftime.

Eagles senior running back Tyler Saikhon scored three touchdowns including two in the final two minutes of the second quarter to help the Eagles take a 25-point lead into the half.

Mount Miguel junior C.J. JACKSON chases Southwest star Tyler Saikhon Friday night in El Centro. / EDWIN DELGADO PHOTO

In the second half, the Eagles defense to shut the door on any Matadors’ comeback.

“I believe we outplayed them,” said Mount Miguel coach SHAUN MCDADE. “We lost because of costly turnovers and a ton of penalties.

“In the second half they didn’t even score.”

Mount Miguel senior running back SHEMAR GREENE rushed for over 200 yards, but he and senior quarterback MUGABE MILLER were hobbling through the last quarter of play.

Saikhon returned the opening kickoff to the Matadors’ 37.

Moments later, quarterback Cameron Jungers connected with Saikhon for a 33-yard touchdown pass.

On the next possession, Jungers hit Jason Holguin for an 11-yard TD pass to take the early 14-0 lead.

Senior JARVIS HEARD ran his way – or more like danced his way – to a punt return for a touchdown for Mount Miguel from 54 yards out, shifting his feet from side-to-side to avoid diving Eagles special teamers, before escaping down the right sideline for six.

The Eagles answered when Jungers connected with senior tight end Grant Hansink for a 60-yard score.

The Eagles got a 5-yard score from Reece Quintero with six minutes left in the first half to make it 26-7.

With two minutes and change before halftime, the Matadors got a a 15-yard touchdown run from Greene.

Moments later, however, Saikhon ran 80 yards for a touchdown to increase the Southwest lead to 32-14.

In the next possession, the Eagles defense recovered a fumble inside the red zone.

Two plays later Saikhon capped the half with a 6-yard touchdown run.

“We we were fortunate they had more turnovers than we did and that is what got us on top,” said Eagles head coach John Mitosinka.

The only score of the second half came Greene with a 3-yard TD run in the third quarter.

Mount Miguel senior SANTINO PACHECO had two interceptions, while junior defensive end C.J. JACKSON had two sacks for the Matadors.

“(ALEX) LEMON just continued to play lights out,” McDade said. “And the freshman kid (middle linebacker JACOB LAVERDIERE) again impressed me with quite a few tackles.”

“I was proud of these kids once again they fought their tails off,” McDade said. “The final two minutes of the half were the tipping point in the game. If we wouldn’t have made the mental mistakes with the costly turnovers and penalties we could’ve beat this team, I really think we could have.”

Southwest forced three fumbles, one interception and three turnovers on downs.

“We came out fired up and had a good first half but they almost caught on the second half,” Saikhon said. “They are a good team, they are freaking big, and a heck of a team. The strong first half we had saved us.”

Southwest advances to the D3 semifinals where it will face the Hilltop Lancers at home next Friday.