CONCORD,CA--- Senior receiver Isaiah Hodgins had the spotlight Friday night, with his anticipated college commitment being announced after the game, and his three touchdowns in Berean Christian’s 56-21 win over California School for the Deaf proved why is one of the most highly-recruited players in the Bay Area.
Hodgins’ first touchdown came from a deep 36-yard launch by Chandler Davis in the second quarter. In the second half of the game Davis connected twice more with Hodgins, although this time with shorter passes from nine and two yards out.
Davis had an expanded number of players to hit the aerial attack with, and he connected on his fourth touchdown throw to sophomore Jayden Jackson.
“Isaiah and Jayden made some really big plays for us today," Davis said. “Our whole receiving staff is an excellent set of players to throw to”
While the passing game may have been a strength all season for Berean, the running game shined as well in the win over CSD, as senior Nick Gaitan ran for three touchdowns, all in the first half, as the Eagles built a 13-point lead at the break.
CSD put up a battle throughout the game. Quarterback Jax Pedersen connected with receiver Spezio Harmount who broke away for a 77 yard catch-and-run, tying the game at seven late in the first quarter. Just before halftime, Pedersen hit Esau Zornoza for a seven-yard touchdown.
“(CSD) is a hard fighting team and does not give up,” said Berean Christian coach James Hodgins. “You have to really put those guys away, because they won't back down."
After the game, it was time to time for Hodgins to make his decision, and he was no stranger to this. The four-star recruit has previously committed to Washington State, but later opted out to expand his horizons and options. This time, the mystery school was Oregon State University.
“When I went on my visit, I fell in love with all the coaches and community,” Hodgins said. "I also feel like I can make an immediate impact as a freshman.”
Hodgins will graduate in January to head out to Corvallis and begin the dawn of his career as an Oregon State Beaver. First, he must complete the NCS Division 5 playoffs as Berean Christian will face the winner of Stellar Prep and St.Patrick-St.Vincent next Friday at 7 pm.
