RedHawks run over Cards on Homecoming

By Ramon Scott
Updated: September 27, 2021

Pedro Castaneda, Homecoming King, and Mariyah Weldy, Homecoming Queen. / MEHS

2021 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 28, HOOVER 0

EastCountySports.com staff report

PINE VALLEY – The Mountain Empire RedHawks ran roughshod over the Hoover Cardinals on Homecoming last Friday.

The RedHawks broke out of their injury-induced slump by shutting out the Hoover, 28-0.

Mountain Empire and Hoover were scoreless at halftime but had a big second half to cap the festivities as if a victory was planned.

Three Mountain Empire running backs eclipsed the 100-yard mark in the contest, as a trio of runners combined for 391 yards and all four touchdowns.

Senior Larry Clark, playing while recovering from a fracture in an arm suffered three weeks ago, rushed for 179 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries.

“We knew if we wanted to win the game, we had to destroy them in the second half,” Clark said. “I just give 100 percent every and try not to let my injury hold me back.”

Cody Whitehead-Smith had 109 yards, including a touchdown, on nine carries.

Gregory Reyes rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown on six carries.

“We just have to keep practicing and preparing as a team,” Clark said. “We’ve had a lot of ups and downs but we knew adversity would hit and we are as prepared as we can be to try to win out the remainder of our games.”

Mountain Empire improved to 2-3, while Hoover fell to 1-4. The RedHawks will travel to face Vincent Memorial (3-2) next Friday.

Football player Pedro Castaneda was named the Homecoming King, while Mariyah Weldy was named the Homecoming Queen.