EAGLES SOAR TO SECOND-STRAIGHT WIN

By David Dickens
Updated: August 25, 2018

2018 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

GRANITE HILLS 35, MT. CARMEL 17

By Dave Dickens

EastCountySports.com

RANCHO PENASQUITOS (8-24-2018) – As last week’s opening win versus Poway high concluded, the Granite Hills Eagles discussed the lack of balance, amongst other things, of the pass and run attack.

Last week, both squads couldn’t get their ground game ignited. As most squads do, the Eagles broke film down to analyze how to prepare for the Mt. Carmel High football team.

The ground game was analyzed and practiced throughout the week, and this week the balance for the Eagle offense was achieved.

Punt return specialist JUNI HARRIS broke the scoreless tie with a phenomenal 65-yard score on a return, following a three-and-out by the Sundevils. The extra point was good, 7-0 Eagles.

“Prior to the beginning of play, coach Cobbs couldn’t stress enough how important special teams is, and every opportunity we get, we need to execute,” said Harris.

“As I was standing there waiting to receive the punt, I told myself I’m not taking anything less than a 45-yard punt. As the ball sailed towards me, I hesitated slightly because it appeared to be short. As the ball hit the ground, it took a near perfect roll straight to me, I grabbed it and immediately just make people miss.

“Luckily, my team is disciplined and as soon as they saw me pick it up and run, they came to my aid and made blocks. All I had standing between me and the end zone was the kicker, so I made a hard cut into the inside and let my speed carry me in for the score.”

This was to be only the beginning of the Eagle scoring frenzy as wide receiver ETHEN RAYMOND hauled one in from quarterback CRIS OSTRENG for a 15-yard score. The extra point attempt was good, 14-0 Eagles in the second quarter.

“I saw that they had a safety directly over top and the play was to cross his face, Ethan ran a perfect route and broke a tackle for the score,” said Ostreng.

Towards the middle of the second quarter, running back KEYVON MARTIN would run one in for his first rushing touchdown of the year. The extra point was up and good.

The Eagles would continue to score at will, as the defense shut the Sundevils down and didn’t allow a score in the first half of play.

Granite would score yet again on a short run by running back GIDEON ALABA, his first rushing touchdown on the young season. The extra point was up and good heading into halftime.

“It was a really great feeling to get that first touchdown,” Alaba said. “Our running game hasn’t been what it should be but our offensive line really stepped up tonight and created a huge hole for me to hit.

“Overall, was a really great game for our team as a whole, but obviously still a lot of things to work on.”

One minute into the third quarter, Granite would rush yet another one in for six. The extra point was up
and good.

After being shut out for three quarters, the Sundevils would finally put three on the board via field goal, early in the fourth.

The Eagles would score on the ground , yet one last time. The extra point was good.

Mount Carmel would try to rally adding 14 unanswered points later in the fourth quarter.

However, the Sundevils ran out of time as the Eagles proved they were too much to handle, walking away with the 35-17 triumph, and with the Grossmont loss, The Eagles have the best record of all the teams the Hills league, though early in the season at 2-0.

Ostreng would also score on a six-yard scamper earlier in the contest.

“The defense left the middle open and the line blocked great, leaving a huge hole as I practically walked into the end zone,” Ostreng said.

The Eagles (2-0) will be on the road for the second week straight as they travel to face Westview High School(1-1), who lost Friday night to Oceanside, 42-29.