Paloma Valley Knocked Out of Playoffs by Rancho Verde

Quarterback Jake Newton threw for over 200 yards passing in the second half

Paloma Valley High School battled against extreme odds, but succumbed to Rancho Verde High School 52-16 in the first round of the CIF Southern Section football playoffs Friday night.

Entering the game, Paloma Valley (6-5, 3-2) was already considered the underdog against Rancho Verde (9-2, 4-1). They entered the game down four of their regular starters on defense. With two players quitting and another two injured, the Wildcats were forced to bring up players for the junior varsity and freshman teams.

"We were down four starters right off the bat," coach Bert Esposito said. "That was a tough adjustment for us."

"We had to play a freshman tonight," Esposito said about linebacker Steven Bradshaw, who was called up for the game to replace Anthony Adcock due to a concussion. "He did a fantastic job."

Unfortunately for Paloma Valley, the Mustangs of Rancho Verde were just too stacked with talented players already signed on to play at powerhouse colleges, such as quarterback Sherion Jones, who is committed to play for the Florida Gators, and offensive guard Tevita Halalilo, who is committed to play for the UCLA Bruins.

After being shut out in the first half of the game, 24-0, the Wildcats were not able manage to put up points until halfway through the third quarter, when senior Jake Newton took over at the quarterback spot for Pahaku Kaheaku-Paiva.

Newton, who looked confident in the quarterback role, threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver David Hamilton. After a successful 2-point conversion when Newton once again hit Hamilton in the end zone, the score was 38-8.

After a quick score by Rancho Verde, the Wildcats struck again with two minutes left in the third quarter when Newton passed the ball to senior wide receiver Elliot Smith (pictured left), who ran it in for a 27-yard touchdown. After another successful 2-point conversion when Newton hit senior Jacob Diaz in the end zone, the Wildcats were down 45-16.

This was the closest they ever got to coming back. The Mustangs scored one more time in the fourth quarter and stopped the Wildcats from mounting any late game attempts to cut the lead down.

Rancho Verde's rushing was just too much for Paloma Valley to handle. As a team, they rushed for 347 yards and had two running backs that scored 2 touchdowns each, including senior Maurice Martin who ran for 180 yards on 18 attempts.

Standout players for Paloma Valley included Newton, who went 18 for 29 for 209 yards passing and two touchdown passes, all in the second half. Receiver Elliot Smith caught 7 passes for 90 yards, including his third quarter touchdown reception. Senior defensive back Izaiah Cameron led the defense with 8 tackles.

Through a tough season, filled with adversities and bad breaks, the Wildcats still battled hard through the regular season to make it to the playoffs and showed those who watched them play that they never quit on the field.

"Football is a life lesson," Esposito said about his departing seniors. "A teaching tool more than anything. Some go on to college to play and some don't. Most of these kids will never play like this again, but as long as they take away a great experience and they continue to pursue their goals, in that aspect, I'm happy. I think these guys will do that. They're great kids."


Freshman Steven Bradshaw stepped up big in his first varsity game

#41 Izaiah Cameron tackles quarterback #3 Sherion Jones as teammates #6 Jacob Diaz and #22 Fred Lundy help out

Paloma Valley players huddle together one last time after the game

Players say their goodbyes to coaches after the game

Jake Newton in consoled after the game is over