Paloma Valley beats Riverside Poly in league opener

Quarterback Brady Nelson looks to pass while Landen Walding provides protection. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

By Paige Mendez, Correspondent

Paloma Valley High won its Homecoming game against Riverside Poly 27-13 Friday night. The victory came in the first league game for the Wildcats, who now boast a 5-2 record.

The Wildcats were the first to get on the board with a touchdown in their second drive on a pass from Brady Nelson to Ethan Lingenfelter for 41 yards. Stephen Gallegos was responsible for 29 of those rushing yards in the drive leading up to the touchdown and would account for a total of 107 rushing yards on the night.

“They’re my family, so I’ll do everything for them, 100 percent every time,” Gallegos said about playing for his team. “We’re coming for the playoffs … just got to do my part.”

Poly answered that first touchdown two drives later with a series of catches for 46 and 11 yards that put them at the 22-yard line ready for the next catch, which happened just over a minute into the second quarter. Ben Medure was the receiver on that touchdown and had 112 yards on the night as well as an interception.

On the next drive, Paloma took the ball at the 20-yard line and took two losses in yards on the first two plays, putting them at third and 15. Brayan Cortez ran the ball six yards to make it fourth and 9, but special teams took the field to punt the ball downfield. Punter Jake Nelson took the snap and after a slight mishap ran out of time to make the punt. But Nelson found an eligible receiver and threw the ball to Lingenfelter, who converted to first and 10 at the 14-yard gain.

That play gave the Wildcats a second chance and Gallegos ran the ball 31 of the remaining yards. Noah Howard caught a 27-yard pass for the touchdown on that drive which put Paloma up 14-7, which didn’t change until after the third quarter.

The Bears had one answer left in the game with a rush from Garrett Eche that put them within inches of a touchdown, which was completed by a short run from Izzy Morales. The Bears then set up for the extra point kick but ended up attempting a trick play for the two-point conversion attempt, which was no good, keeping the Wildcats ahead, 14-13.

Paloma answered on the next drive within two minutes. But with a missed extra point of their own, Poly was still within a touchdown.

But the Wildcats pulled ahead with a pick-six two possessions later from Brayan Cortez, sealing the deal for the Paloma win with under two minutes left in the game.

After a tough loss last week, head coach Zach Dilley said this is what he was hoping would turn around for his team.

“We had a lot more focus in practice,” said Dilley. “I’ve got to give credit to the defense; they were just all over the ball tonight.”

That defense, led by Jacob Hornbeak and Kirk Randolph, held Poly to 231 total yards gained on the night, had three interceptions, and forced six turnovers on downs.

Dilley said this win, as the first in league play, puts them right where they want to be.

“A win for Homecoming is great, but a 1-0 league record is what we’re happy about,” said Dilley. “We intend to win the league.”

The next matchup for Paloma Valley is another home game against Vista Del Lago next Thursday at 7 p.m.

Ethan Lingenfelter sheds a tackler during a touchdown pass play. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 Jayden Epps leaps to deflect a pass during Friday night's game against Poly. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 Stephen Gallegos turns aside a would-be defender during a running play. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)

 KJ Misini looks downfield as he tries to avoid a defender Friday night. (Photo by Action Captures Media Group)