Paloma Valley Has All the Right Moves in 34-0 Victory

Clockwise from upper left: Paloma Valley wide receiver Cameron Whatley (6) steps into the end zone in front of JW North defensive back Josh Johnson (5), who first displays shock, then frustration, and finally crouches with his head in his hands. Menifee 24/7 photos: Kristen Spoon

Take two solid returning running backs, add a hotshot transfer back, then throw in a sophomore quarterback poised beyond his years, a placekicker with a strong leg and talented, aggressive linemen. What do you get?

34-0.

That was the magic number put on the dominating performance Paloma Valley High School displayed in defeating JW North of Riverside in the season opener for both schools Friday, Aug. 28 at Paloma Valley. Wildcats coach Bert Esposito and his players agreed that there were "little things" they could improve upon, but let's face it -- this one was never in doubt.

From the time quarterback Chance Nolan (left) threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Cameron Whatley on the team's first series to a 49-yard touchdown pass from Nolan to Demarco Prewitt late in the third quarter, the game was an exhibition of Paloma Valley's strength and balance. The fourth quarter was academic as the clock ran out with backup players in the game and the fans cheered wildly from the packed stands on the Wildcats' side of the field.

Paloma lineman Seth Harris, who scored a touchdown on a 20-yard fumble recovery in the second quarter, said his team's dominance on the line of scrimmage was obvious as the game wore on.

"They were getting really tired," he said about the North linemen. "They barely moved."

Meanwhile, the Wildcats did basically whatever they wanted. Nolan, who threw more than 50 touchdown passes for the freshman team last season, picked up where he left off, throwing for 135 yards and three TDs. Esposito said he was not surprised with what he saw.

"He managed the game very well, did what he had to do," Esposito said about Nolan. "Obviously he's not the fastest in the world, but hey, he's a heads-up player and his composure's outstanding."

Of course, it doesn't hurt that Nolan is surrounded by talented running backs to help balance out the team's offensive attack. Seniors Prewitt (75 yards rushing, shown at right) and Khayrii Joyner (67 yards) kept North defenders off balance all night. Then there was senior Dayday Lewis, a transfer who displayed quickness and solid instincts as a running back and punt returner.

"The ability to run the ball takes a lot of pressure off Chance," Esposito said. "It's made it so he doesn't have to carry the load."

Prewitt said this is the type of balanced attack the Wildcats have been waiting for.

"We did really well, both offensively and defensively," he said. "We expected our defense to play that well. And on offense ... if we can't run the ball, we can pass. If we can't pass, we can score. If we do both well, it's going to be terrible for the opposing defense."

And this from Nolan:

"Knowing I have options all around when I go to throw the ball ... they make it easy for me."

The icing on the cake was the kicking of senior Kyle Shernicoff (left), who booted a 47-yard field goal in the second quarter on his first varsity attempt. He added a 39-yarder later in the game. That, and the hard hitting on the line that caused plays like the North fumble that Harris recovered and ran into the end zone for a 14-0 lead at the start of the second quarter.

"When I picked up the ball, I didn't even know what to think about," Harris said. "It was just crazy. But there's no way I would've done it without (defensive tackle) Max Pichardo scaring the crap out of the quarterback and (defensive end) Connor Gillette hitting the crap out of him."

After the game, Esposito was more than satisfied.

"There's some little things we have to work on," he said. "But when you get a shutout -- and they never even threatened -- in the first game, I'll take it."

Khayrii Joyner heads upfield for a big gain against JW North in Friday night's season opener.

Defensive lineman Seth Harris heads for the end zone for a touchdown after recovering a fumble in the second quarter.

Defensive end Connor Gillette leads the defensive charge against an outmanned North offensive front.

Using the best in technology, Wildcat players and coaches watch instant replays on a large TV screen on the sidelines.

Coach Bert Esposito, talking to a reporter after the game, had high praise for his team.