Emerson Rota had a good first start at quarterback for the Vikings (2-1 in the Eastern League, 5-3 overall) in their 36-33 win over San Diego High Oct. 17. The lefthander, filling in in La Jolla's big hole at QB, where starter Huddy Smith has been sidelined by a concussion most recently, completed 16 of 27 passes for 166 yards and one touchdown.
His biggest moment--a highlight--came on a 36-yard pass to Nico Bardaro for a touchdown with under a minute left in the game to bring the Vikings from four points down to win.
Rota's quarterback rating was 89.4, which is respectable. I'm sure Emerson has waited a long time for this opportunity, which, of course, he wouldn't have wanted it to come at Huddy's or Ty Tortorice's (previous fill-in) expense.
I remember first meeting him two years ago, when he was looking at the quarterback position only. He looked, and looks, like an athlete: wiry, strong, physically developed. Serious but friendly demeanor.
Rota's counterpart on the Cavers, Jayden Harris, who had no quit in him and extended the game to the last minute, threw 25 of 43 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns. His QB rating was 98.4.
Coming back from a 14-2 deficit in the second quarter, the Cavers went on a furious rampage and actually outscored the Vikings in the second half, 21-14.
Running back Aiden Farrell, a constant for La Jolla this season amid all the injuries and setbacks, carried 25 times for 202 yards, with two touchdowns. The 5'10" back also caught four Emerson passes for 46 yards.
Bardaro, a two-way player as a 6'3" junior, continues to shine for the Vikings: He caught five Rota aerials for 62 yards, which included his game-winning TD. He recorded a sack and numerous tackles on defense.
Wide receiver Carson Diehl, a senior commit to SDSU who as a result is constantly on every opponent's radar, took four passes for 36 yards.
For San Diego, junior Kye Cooper was all over the field, making 14 tackles, seven of those solos. He caught seven passes for 88 yards on offense.
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