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Unbeaten Patriots win clash with Bucs
- Updated: September 6, 2021
Christian High's Joey Merritt races to the end zone on Saturday night. / CHS Patriots
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2021 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL
CHRISTIAN 41, MISSION BAY 14
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON – Fans probably expected a high-flying showdown between the Christian Patriots and Mission Bay Buccaneers with quarterbacks Jake Davila and Clash Orsborn leading the way on Saturday night.
But the Patriot defense would have none of it.
Christian’s offense did its thing but so did the ‘D’ in a 41-14 win over the Bucs at Valley Stadium, as the Patriots improved to 3-0.
Christian High led 41-0 at halftime.
“Pat Kelly really is the best defensive coordinator I’ve coach with,” Mitchell said following the game. “Clash Orsborn is poised, doesn’t get rattled, and works great under pressure.”
Davila, the Patriots’ junior passer, threw for 195 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
“Everyone had a great game, especially our offensive line and our wideouts,” Davila said. “We dominated. My guys made it really easy for me.”
Christian junior Joey Merritt, a receiver, also threw for an 82-yard score to junior Hunter Provience.
“We all had a great game,” Provience said. “Jake was dropping dimes. I got separation on most of my routes.”
Merritt and Provience, also both juniors, racked up big receiving numbers in the contest. The duo combined for 14 catches for 274 yards and three touchdowns.
“Joey Merritt is the best player on the field,” Christian High head coach Danny Mitchell said. “One of the top players I’ve coached.”
For good measure, Merritt busted off a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter to extend a big early lead to 34-0.
“I told coach (Mitchell) that I was done for the night on offense, so I switched spots with the punt returner and ended up taking it to the house thanks to some great blocks,” Merritt said.
Nate Bettis rushed 13 times for 66 yards for Christian.
“We make it very hard on our offensive line sometimes but when we are efficient through the air, it makes it a lot easier on them,” Mitchell said.
Junior Aaron Shebloski had an interception and led the defense with eight tackles on the evening, while Merritt added six stops, all solo.
“Our pressure on the line just got their way too fast for them to be able to throw the ball,” Merritt said.
Senior William Larson, junior Shane Bailey, and Shebloski all registered sacks of the Mission Bay quarterback.
Shebloski, as part of his monster night, also forced and recovered a fumble.
Christian had a big matchup on deck this week when they travel to face section rival Santa Fe Christian in a battle of 3-0 clubs.
