Christian takes control of City race

By Nick Pellegrino
Updated: October 13, 2024

2024 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

Christian 27, Patrick Henry 7

By Nick Pellegrino
ECS Senior writer

EL CAJON — Considering that Patrick Henry entered with a 5-1 record by scoring more than 40 points in three of its victories, many thought the Christian Patriots would face a difficult task in Friday’s (Oct. 10) City League contest, held at El Cajon Valley’s Priest Field.

In the end, the complete opposite was true.

Despite holding a 14-7 lead, the advantage for Christian could’ve been much higher after two other touchdowns were called back on penalties and they missed a short field.

In fact, Christian rolled up 249 ards in total offense in the first half alone, but it was the defense which were the true standouts in handling Patrick Henry, 27-7.

Kaleb Runkle

The triumph moves Christian (5-2 overall) into sole possession of first place in the City at 2-0. However, San Diego High remains on their heels at 1-0 following the Cavers’ first-round league bye, then a 42-0 drubbing of Crawford.

Christian quarterback Kaleb Runkle accounted for three of the Patriots touchdowns, two through the air and a 12-yard designed option rush.

Following a scoreless opening period, the hometown Patriots scored first on Runkle’s 9-yard TD pass to Brady Eads with 9:11 left in the half.

Patrick Henry needed just 70 seconds to respond with its one big play of the night.

Damien Carmichael roamed free along the left sideline for a 67-yard TD reception from Eli Ruiz, capping an 81-yard drive.

However, with 19 seconds remaining until intermission, Christian reclaimed the advantage.

Completing 5-of-7 passes on the drive, Runkle ivercame his team’s holding penalty in the red zone by finding Kai Rosier from 14-yards out. Rosier collected the ball near the Henry 10, then raced around a pair of defenders.

Key plays on the drive were 14-yard rush by Jacob Morones for a first down near midfield, then a 22-yard, third-down pass to Jake Marsh.

On defense for Christian, cornerback Jonathan Taylor broke up a pair of passes, including a third-down pass to force a punt. Jordan Moreno also registered a first-half sack.

Christian High’s Hayden Jeremiah had an interception return for a touchdown from 39 yards to extend the lead in the third quarter.

Christian extended the lead on a touchdown connection from Kaleb Runkle to Jake Marsh for a 27-7 lead with 1:51 left in the third quarter.

When Patrick Henry got inside the five late in the third quarter, Christian High turned them away with a turnover on downs.

Christian High also stopped Patrick Henry with Rosier forcing a fumble and Max Turvey getting the recovery.