Askari Richard heads for the end zone on one of his three touchdown catches. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Paloma Valley High jumped out to a 23-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back Friday night, scoring a 46-0 victory over visiting Perris in the Wildcats’ Sunbelt League football opener.
Junior quarterback Joshua Gonzales had a huge game for Paloma Valley. He completed 9 of 13 passes for 310 yards and 5 touchdowns. That included a 97-yard touchdown pass to Askari Richard, who caught 3 passes for 195 yards and 3 TDs. In addition, Eunice Defro caught 2 passes for 61 yards and 2 TDs.
The Wildcats also rushed for 63 yards, including 5 carries for 12 yards and a touchdown by Jaymon Sims.
On the Wildcats’ second drive of the game, Gonzales threw a 33-yard screen pass and soon thereafter passed 18 yards to Defro for a touchdown. After Paloma Valley forced a three-and-out from the Perris offense, the Wildcats needed just five plays to score again on a TD pass to Richard.
Following a Perris punt, Gonzales hit Richard with a 65-yard touchdown pass. Then early in the second quarter, he connected with Defro on a 43-yard TD strike. Right before halftime, Gonzales passed 97 yards to Richard for another score.
In addition, junior placekicker Vivi Winchester made all 6 of her PAT kicks. On the season, she has made 18 of 19 PAT attempts and both of her field goal attempts, including a 35-yarder. The Wildcats also scored 4 points on 2 safeties.
Paloma Valley improved its record to 5-1. They will play at JW North on Oct. 9.
“Defensively, I am very pleased,” said coach Juan Merida about the team’s play this season. “Offensively, we need to be more consistent and cut out the penalties. We only had three returning starters on offense this year, so it is taking them a little bit to develop.”
Isaiah Dandridge makes the tackle for Paloma Valley. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Isaac Cuthrell makes a tackle for the Wildcats. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Ethan McCullough (22) pursues the ballcarrier. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Quarterback Joshua Gonzales is on the move. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Daniel Campos takes the handoff from Joshua Gonzales. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
