Big plays spark second-half rally in Paloma's 42-20 victory
Stephen Gallegos heads for a hole in the line during Friday night's game. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group) Paloma Valley High exce...
Stephen Gallegos heads for a hole in the line during Friday night's game. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)
Paloma Valley High excelled on special teams and forced multiple Moreno Valley turnovers in scoring a 42-20 non-league football victory at home Friday night.
The Wildcats (2-0) appeared to have their work cut out for them against a Moreno Valley team that scored a 52-8 win over Notre Dame last week. Paloma Valley scored first however, with quarterback Brady Nelson passing 19 yards to Jacob Villagomez for a touchdown.
The host Wildcats still led 14-6 at halftime, thanks to a 93-yard kickoff return by Jason Deal. But Moreno Valley standout running back Adrian Anderson scored on two touchdown runs in the third quarter for a 20-14 Moreno Valley lead.
The visiting Vikings didn’t score again, however, while the Wildcats capitalized on opposition errors.
Paloma Valley took the lead for good when Javon Major recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown, with the PAT putting the Wildcats ahead, 21-20. Soon thereafter, Nelson connected with Noah Howard on a 46-yard pass play and another Wildcats touchdown, giving them a 28-20 advantage.
Turnovers plagued Moreno Valley as the Vikings tried to rally in the final minutes. A Vikings fumble was recovered by Paloma Valley, leading to a 17-yard touchdown pass from Nelson to KJ Misini and a 35-20 lead.
The final score came following Aaron Young Jr.'s interception of a Vikings pass, on a 4-yard run by Brayan Cortez.
Next Friday, Paloma Valley plays at ML King High in Riverside.
KJ Misini prepares to maneuver past a defender after catching a pass. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)
Wildcats quarterback Brady Nelson had a big night on Friday. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)
Aaron Young Jr. races downfield with an interception during the fourth quarter. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)
