ALAMEDA, CA - On a beautiful Friday night on Willie Stargell Field in Alameda, the Encinal Jets defense lifted them to a big 20-13 win over visiting Piedmont.
The Jets defense and special teams would both have big games. The defense picked off Highlanders' quarterback Gordon Faust three times Friday night, beginning with an interception by Austin Glushenko. Later in the first quarter, Brandon Duckett blocked a field goal and returned it to his own 43 to set up a Jet drive. Then, in the second quarter, it was Brandon Duckett with the interception, setting up a 24-yard touchdown pass from David Hamilton to Akil Francisco, Hamilton's lone scoring pass of the game.
In the second half, Jakari WIlson notched Encinal's third interception of the night, and ended any late Piedmont hopes.
“This program has gone through more adversity, probably than any other school in the state, country, I mean you name it the last three years," said Encinal coach Ricky Rodriguez. "This victory just proves the amount of heart every single one of my players have."
There was no lack of Jets offense either. Duckett carried the ball 22 times for 95 yards in the game, while Tele Lotomau carried the ball 11 times for 64 yards and a touchdown.
After scoring at least 21 points in all games this season, Piedmont's offense struggled, as Faust went 7-of-24 for 77 yards. The Jets defense also limited Highlanders running back Nick Pacult to 61 yards on 15 carries. Coach James Holan expressed his disappointment in his defense and his offensive line.
“Well, we could have blocked and tackled better,” said Piedmont coach James Holan. "We could have performed better defensively, and up front offensively."
The Highlanders (3-2) now head into their bye week, before facing Bishop O'Dowd in WACC-Foothill Division play. Encinal (4-1) opens WACC-Shoreline play against Mt. Eden.
