Paloma starts fast, can't keep up with North later, 40-22

Paloma Valley's offense had trouble moving the ball against North High late in Friday's game. (Photo by Sakha Arianto)

Content contributed by Jaiden Martinez

After a strong start, the Paloma Valley High School football team was outplayed by visiting North High in the final three quarters of an intense and physical game Friday night, 40-22.

Hoping to score their first victory of the season and win their Sunbelt League opener, the Wildcats stopped North on its first drive and forced a fumble that led to a safety and a 2-0 lead on North’s second drive. Paloma Valley quarterback Brady Nelson then threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to KJ Misini for a 9-0 Paloma lead.

North fought back with a scoring drive, but Paloma still led 9-7 after the first quarter.

In the second period, North returned a punt for a touchdown. Nelson hit Misini again with a 21-yard touchdown pass, but North scored twice more before halftime – one on a 70-yard run. North led 27-15 at the break.

Paloma’s defense continued to struggle to stop the North offense, giving up two more scores – one on a 96-yard run. In the final minutes, there were multiple ejections and at least four key Paloma Valley players suffered injuries.

Paloma Valley plays a Thursday home game against Orange Vista next week.