The undefeated Twentynine Palms High School Wildcat football team beat the Desert Hot Springs Eagle 42-13 Friday night, and remain in first place in the DeAnza League. Coach Ernest Martinez said the Northwest division’s third-ranked visiting Wildcats fell behind early 7-0 to the Desert Hot Springs Eagles football team Friday night, but responded with 42 consecutive points en route to a 42-13 DeAnza League win. With the victory, the Wildcats hold on to first place in the league, and remain perfect on the season with an 8-0 record. The ‘Cats fell behind early after DHS completed their only pass play of the game, one that went for a 70-yard touchdown. However, a 65-yard drive by the ‘Cats was the quick response, and the teams were tied at 7 early in the first. The scoring play was a 31-yard reception by senior Demetrius Holmes on a fade pass from QB Jimmy Shragge.
On the next series, the Wildcats forced a three and out, and on fourth down, junior Michael Clarke blocked a punt out of the end zone for a safety and the ‘Cats held a 9-7 lead in the first. In the second quarter, the ‘Cats would put 19 more points on the scoreboard with help from offense, defense, and special teams. Senior running back Beayahnn Carrllo would add his second of four touchdowns on the game on a 35-yard run early in the quarter. His next touchdown was an 11-yard reception from Shragge, on a short pass into the right corner of the end zone with under a minute to play and the ‘Cats looked to go into half time with a 22-6 lead. However, the team used three defensive stops and two timeouts to force a punt with only 10 seconds on the clock. Junior defensive end Gunnar Moss broke through the line and blocked the punt, which was recovered by Senior Travaun Morrow in the end zone, giving the ‘Cats their second score in under a minute of the game.
The third quarter was just as dominating as the second for the ‘Cats, as they ran 25 plays of offense and added14 points, while holding the Eagles scoreless. On the third play from scrimmage after the break, Carrllo ran 52 yards for another score and a 35-7 lead. Ryan Stowers would make his third of four point-after kicks for the game, as the Wildcats were clearly in control of the contest. A Donovan Esquilin interception, one of three for the game by the team, would lead to the ‘Cats’ final score of the game. Carrllo’s 6-yard run ended the Wildcats scoring for the game, and the 42-7 lead would create a running clock for the fourth quarter of the contest.
The Wildcats defense also had a big game, as the ‘Cats forced five turnovers for the second consecutive week. Michael Clarke, Kole Green, and Esquilin all had interceptions during the game. The ‘Cats forced two fumbles, sacked the quarter back seven times, blocked two punts, and scored a safety in a dominating performance. Donovan Esquilin led the team in tackles with 12 total. Michael Clark and Andrew Wilson had 15 total tackles, three sacks, and three tackles for a loss from their defensive line play. Linebackers Kyle Hope, Colton Myers, Eneliko Tuli, and K.J. Magwood had outstanding games as they combined for 31 tackles, three sacks and a forced fumble.
Offensive leaders for the ‘Cats were Jimmy Shragge who threw two touchdown passes and completed nine of 21 for 149 yards. Carrllo rushed for over 200 yards and scored four touchdowns on the game. Demetrius Holmes had two receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown. The offensive line, led by Shane Estrada, Nick Folts, Eric Jordan, Hekili Paahana, Ryan Sullivan, and Andrew Wilson, led the offense to over 350 yards.
The Wildcats will travel for their last regular season road game of the year, looking for their ninth win—and at least a share of the title—with a victory against Desert Mirage.
The frosh-soph team will start the games at 4:00 p.m., and they are also looking for their ninth consecutive victory in the early contest. The frosh-soph defeated the Desert Hot Springs Eagles 33-12 in an outstanding effort, giving long-time frosh-soph Coach Bob Jones his 100th victory, dating back to the 2003 season. The Wildcats will return home on November 6 to face the Yucca Valley Trojans in the annual Battle of the Bell for the final regular season game of the year.
TWENTYNINE PALMS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL REMAINS UNDEFEATED
