SAN JOSE, CA--In the first game of West Catholic Athletic League play, the Valley Christian Warriors outlasted the visiting Serra Padres, 35-28.
The difference making touchdown came with six minutes left in the fourth quarter, when junior cornerback Alton Julian picked off a pass from Serra sophomore quarterback Luke Bottari on Bottari’s first play of the night. Julian took the ball 30 yards to the end zone, to put the Warriors up 35-21 at the time.
“It’s the fourth quarter, and big players make big plays," said Valley Christian senior quarterback Miles Kendrick. "We were just hoping for a guy to step up and make a play for us. Julian was that guy, he took advantage of his moment and it helped us win.”
Kendrick had a good night himself, completing 5-of-7 pass attempts with 45 rushing yards, including an incredible 28-yard touchdown run to end the first half.
“(Kendrick) does that most of the time.” stated Warriors coach Mike Machado.
The late interception was on par with the Valley Christian defense all night, as junior linebacker Billy Stonitsch helped the Warriors hold a high-powered Padre offense to only one touchdown in the first half, with his seven tackles on the night.
Play for play with Kendrick was Serra’s own superstar quarterback, Leki Nunn.
“We go as he goes," said Serra coach Patrick Walsh. "Leki is our alpha male, our captain and our leader.”
Nunn was 12-for-15 and amassed 63 rush yards and two touchdowns of his own. Nunn also connected twice to junior Shane Villaroman for touchdowns, once on a 51-yard strike and again on a 34-yard catch-and-run.
The stout Serra front seven held senior running back Javon Sturns scoreless, due to incredible play from senior linebacker Ian Schwaab, who led the defense with 8 tackles.
“We expected it not to be an easy game at all. It certainly wasn't going to be a path of least resistance," Machado said. "Thankfully, we’re big upfront, and we have backs who stay active in the box and that’s what really helped us win tonight.”
On the other hand, the Padre defense struggled to contain Sturns’ backfield partner, Isaiah Rodriguez, who entered the end zone three times and ran for 81 yards.
Next week, the Padres (0-4, 0-1 WCAL) continue their away trip with Sacred Heart Cathedral and the Warriors (4-0, 1-0) will head to Foothill College to face Mitty.
