Daniel Campos (9) ran for 2 touchdowns for Paloma Valley. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Gabriel Noor’s field goal on the final play of the game gave Hillcrest High a 31-28 football victory over Paloma Valley Friday in a battle of league co-leaders.
The Wildcats (6-2, 2-1) fell behind 21-0 in the second quarter and 28-7 at halftime, but they battled back. They finally tied the score at 28-28 in the fourth quarter, but the visiting Trojans weren’t finished. Noor’s field goal came just before the game ended.
Senior running back Daniel Campos carried the ball 18 times for 98 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Wildcats. Quarterback Joshua Gonzales ran for a touchdown and threw a touchdown pass to Eunice Defro. Gonzales completed 17 of 26 passes for 204 yards.
“We made lots of mistakes and just played flat,” said coach Juan Merida. “The second half we stormed back to tie the game with like 2 minutes remaining. But they drove down and hit a walk -off field goal as time expired.
“The kids showed a lot of grit and toughness in the second half. You just cannot spot a good team 21 points!”
Hillcrest is now all alone in first place at 3-0, 7-1 overall. Paloma Valley will play at Valley View on Thursday, Oct. 22.
Eunice Defro reacts after making a touchdown catch. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Noah Laban prepares to make the tackle on the ballcarrier. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Juan Covarrusias makes a kick return. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Damon Rowe takes the handoff from quarterback Joshua Gonzales. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Joshua Gonzales looks for an open receiver. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Caleb Alvarado runs after the catch. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
