Sultans’ energy lasts for comeback

By Ramon Scott
Updated: September 17, 2024

Santana placekicker Grant Johnson. / Ken Todd

2024 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

Santana 26, Olympian 25

EastCountySports.com

CHULA VISTA — The Santana Sultans rallied from a 22-14 halftime deficit against the host Olympian Eagles to come away with a 26-25 non-league victory in the South Bay on Friday night.

Kaedyn Hallman rushed for two touchdowns for the Sultans and junior placekicker Grant Johnson booted a pair of field goals, including the go-ahead score from 37 yards out with just over three minutes left in the game.

The Olympians had a chance to win the game in the final minute, but a field goal attempt went well right, allowing the Sultans to finally celebrate.

Hallman rushed for 97 yards, including a 43-yard score from punt formation which gave the Sultans a 7-0 lead.

The senior is already one of the top running backs in the Grossmont Valley League, but because he serves as the Sultans’ primary punter, he becomes a dangerous option, especially with the ball sitting in enemy territory.

Hallman’s second score came from 14 yards out and extended the lead to 14-0 in the first quarter.

Rising sophomore defensive standout Kolton Thornton had an interception and game-high 11 solo tackles for Santana (3-1).

Santana quarterbacks Ethan Miller and Josh Pehl combined to go 13-for-22 for 171 yards. Both are sophomores.

Sophomore Denter Goar had four catrches for 40 yards for Santana.

Junior Jordyn Gillisie had a sack for the Sultans.

Olympian (1-3) gave the Sultans a scare for sure, however, scoring 22 second-quarter points to take the lead into halftime.