PLEASANTON, CA - In a battle between East Bay Athletic League schools, Foothill’s defense shined again at home as the Falcons were able to roll over Livermore 51-14 Friday night. Foothill improved to 5-0 (1-0 EBAL) while Livermore dropped to 2-2 (0-1).
This was another rapid start for Foothill. After junior kicker Dan Rodriguez made a 22-yard field goal, fullback Matt Luey ran for an eight-yard touchdown to give the hometown Falcons a 10-0 lead with 9:25 remaining in the second quarter. Luey had an impressive performance with 71 yards on nine carries.
Foothill’s defense has been its trademark all season as the Falcons have allowed an average of just six points per game. After tonight’s victory, Foothill has given up 38 points all season.
Despite having one of the top offensive lines in the East Bay, Foothill defenders managed to get through Livermore’s physical line, sacking quarterback Travis Adams four times and stopping the Cowboys offense at or behind the line of scrimmage 10 times.
“It just all comes together with pass rush and blitzing passes,” said Foothill junior Isaiah Langley.
Livermore’s offense was held to just 57 total yards in the first half, but after halftime the Cowboys recovered in large part due to big runs by speedster Jacob House, who finished the game with 110 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries. His touchdown came on a powerful 68-yard run.
The Cowboys’ other touchdown came on a 10-yard strike from senior quarterback to first-year, three-sport athlete Andrei Kasten as the first half expired to narrow the Foothill lead to 30-7.
Longtime supporters of the Foothill program have always been blessed with a strong rushing attack and this year has been no exception. The Falcons were led by senior Jamirr Holland, who ran for 116 yards and one touchdown on seven carries. His quickness and ability to explode through holes made it difficult for Cowboys defenders to stop him.
“I think (the key's) been our run game this year,” said Foothill junior quarterback Kyle Kearns. “We have been really effective with the run game and it has really opened up the pass game and I think that being a multi-faceted offense with a lot of threats on this offense and our offensive line is playing great. I think that we have got a lot of weapons and we are utilizing them great.”
Four-star prospect Isaiah Langley, who just received an offer from Oregon State earlier this week, dominated again rushing for 42 yards and one touchdown on three carries. He added 48 yards and one touchdown on six catches and returned an interception back for a touchdown.
“I feel I played pretty well,” said Langley. “This means nothing to me, we blew them out. We’ve got to keep working every week. We’ve got Monte Vista next week, and then we’ve got Cal.”
Langley’s touchdowns consisted of a 29-yard reception, a 47-yard run, and the pick-six late in the first half.
Kearns didn’t put up massive numbers, but was effective, completing 12-of-16 passes for 132 yards and one touchdown and was on point with his throws.
Kearns’ main target was 6-2 senior Ryan Anderson. He connected with him six times for 65 yards and gave Livermore’s defense fits at times.
Although this didn’t turn out the way Livermore had hoped for, the Cowboys will look to build on a strong second half. Junior Tim Harris came in in the fourth quarter and finished with 33 yards rushing on four carries.
With the victory, Foothill has improved to 5-0 and has already clinched a playoff spot in the Division I North Coast Section bracket while Livermore has dropped to 2-3 with the loss. Foothill has dominated all season, and has become a force to be reckoned with in the East Bay.
“This team is very united,” Kearns said. “I think we are feeling accountability with each other. We are just going to keep growing and as the wins come, we are becoming bigger believers in ourselves. I hope that keeps our fueling going over each and every week.”
