Running attack stars as Paloma Valley beats Knight, 35-12

Cody Cerasaro (11) signals TD as teammate Elijah Orellana (21) crosses the goal line for Paloma Valley Friday night. Photo by Jen Hauser

Elijah Orellana ran for three touchdowns and 193 yards total Friday night and Paloma Valley High played tough defense in a 35-12 football victory at home against Knight High.

The Wildcats took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and never gave up the lead in evening their season record at 2-2. Cody Cerasaro also ran for a touchdown, as did Ajani Mendoza.

The Paloma Valley running attack has come alive the last two weeks. Last week in the Wildcats' 43-28 win at King High in Riverside, Mendoza ran for five touchdowns.

"We're really young," said Paloma Valley coach Tom Tello. "It's taken us a little time to figure out who we are and what to do. We're still not there yet, but we're getting closer every week."

In addition to directing the offense, junior quarterback Blake Hauser (right) threw a 65-yard pass to Jamasen Pichardo on one of the team's scoring drives.

"Blake is really coming along," Tello said. "He's managing the game well and he understands where everybody's supposed to be, which is a huge part of the offense. He's gotten better every week."

Tello also praised the defense, which gave up only one touchdown. The other Knight TD came on a kickoff return.

Jayden Schlarmann had an interception for the Wildcat defense and Dallas Salgado "was all over the field," according to his coach.

Next week, Paloma Valley plays at North High in Riverside.

Lineman Anthony Desirello (70) gets out in front to block for running back Elijah Orellana Friday night. Photo by Jen Hauser