Paloma's wild comeback falls short in 44-34 loss to Cajon

Paloma Valley quarterback Chance Nolan sprints outside and looks for a pass receiver during Friday night's game. Photos by Kristi Jo Aguirre

The head coaching debut of Tom Tello at Paloma Valley High School didn't end up quite as planned, but the Wildcats certainly made it exciting Friday night.

After falling behind 28-7, the Wildcats rallied in a wild second half to take a 34-28 lead before giving up two late touchdowns and losing their season opener, 44-34, to Cajon. The outcome was in doubt until the final minutes.

When Steven Bradshaw scored from one yard out to cut the Cajon lead to 28-26 early in the third quarter, the Wildcats seemed to have all the momentum. Even though the two-point PAT try failed, the home team was back in the ballgame. That set the stage for a wild fourth quarter.

After shutting down Cajon on its next drive, Paloma Valley got the ball back on its own 20-yard line and drove 80 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, capped by a TD pass from Nolan to Koale Schroeder. After a two-point conversion, Paloma Valley had a 34-28 lead.

The defenses took turns stopping the offenses in the next couple possessions, but finally Cajon broke through with a touchdown and a two-point conversion to re-take the lead, 36-34. The Wildcats were driving on their next possession when Nolan was intercepted and the ball was returned for a Cajon touchdown. Another two-point PAT made the final score 44-34.

AJ Williams ran for 120 yards in a losing cause. Next week, Paloma Valley plays at Valley View of Moreno Valley.

Running back AJ Williams tries to hold off a defender while gaining yards for Paloma Valley Friday night.

Steven Bradshaw celebrates his 1-yard touchdown run, which put Paloma Valley back in the game.

Paloma Valley defenders take down a Cajon ballcarrier during Friday night's season opener.