SANTA CLARA, CA -- Having already wrapped up the SCVAL-De Anza division, Milpitas put the exclamation point on its season with a 56-0 win over Santa Clara to finish 6-0 in league play and 10-0 overall.
Christian Rita sparked the Trojans with three touchdowns – two interceptions returns for touchdowns and a 45-yard touchdown reception.
On the game's opening drive, Rita intercepted a pass by Santa Clara quarterback Brandon Priest and returned it for the score, setting the tone for a lopsided affair. After a quick three-and-out by the Bruins, Milpitas quarterback John Keller found a wide-open Jordan King for a 58-yard touchdown.
Milpitas led 28-0 after the first quarter after Rita’s second interception touchdown return and 42-0 at halftime after Sean Barnes scored the Trojans’ sixth touchdown on a two-yard run.
Santa Clara coach Hank Roberts could only helplessly watch as his team’s senior night and season finale were overshadowed by the dominance of the opponent.
“Being a Nevada guy, [Milpitas] competes with the Gormans of the world,” said Roberts, referring to perennial superpower Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, which has won five straight Nevada state championships. “If I was a betting man, I’d put some money on those guys winning the Open [Division] and being able to play down south [in the state finals].”
Kelly King, Milpitas’ coach, was a little more humble. When asked why his team was so successful this season, he said, “We try to play together. We don’t worry about stats. We play good team football and try to get better as people.”
“Team football” is an apt description, as the Trojans are deep and dangerous on both sides of the ball with a high-octane offense that averages 40.8 points per game and a defense that has allowed more than 20 points in a game just once.
They will be tested, however, in the playoffs against likely Open Division foes Sacred Heart Prep (also undefeated), Palma and a few West Catholic Athletic League schools.
Said King: “We look forward to the challenge. There are some great programs and teams, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity to compete.”
