Paloma Valley improves to 4-1 with win at Temecula Valley

Mason Carvalho, shown in a Sept. 15 game, caught two touchdown passes in Friday night's win. Menifee 24/7 file photo

Paloma Valley continued its impressive run through the first half of the high school football season Friday night, scoring a 42-12 victory at Temecula Valley to improve its record to 4-1.

The Wildcats, under first-year head coach Tom Tello, have won four straight since a 44-34 loss to Cajon in their season opener. Since then, Paloma Valley has outscored the opposition, 125-60. Tello said the team has improved each week heading into a bye week before opening Sunbelt League play at Temescal Canyon Oct. 6.

"We had our best week of practice this week," said Tello, who was an assistant coach at crosstown rival Heritage last season. "The guys are buying into what we're doing."

Junior wide receiver Mason Carvalho caught touchdown passes of 30 and 5 yards in Friday's game. Junior Koale Schroeder added a 12-yard touchdown reception from senior quarterback Chance Nolan, who has passed for more than 1,200 yards this season. Nolan is committed to Middle Tennessee State.

Damian Torres ran 6 yards for a touchdown and starred on defense as well, returning an interception 60 yards for a TD. Tyler Tinahui ran 4 yards for another score.

Paloma Valley led 14-0 after the first quarter, 28-3 at halftime and was in control of the game all the way.

"The defense is showing improvement every week," Tello said. "The kids are having fun and running to the ball."

Senior Steven Bradshaw leads the defense in addition to carrying the ball occasionally on offense as well.

"Bradshaw is a three-year starter," Tello said. "He's kind of a throwback kind of middle linebacker. He's a hard-nosed, physical player."

Tello also praised the play of free safety Amir Hasin, who came up with an interception on Friday.