LJ FB: Redux

Senior co-captain Tucker Jacobs,
a stalwart at outside linebacker
on the Vikings' defense.
(Photo by Ed Piper)

By Ed Piper

Caleb Petry, a 6'1", 195-pound junior, did much of the damage on offense for Country Day against La Jolla in the Vikings' 29-21 win Sept. 1, with 59 yards on 18 carries on the ground and another 34 yards in the air on four receptions.

Torrey quarterback E.J. Kreutzman, in only his second start as a sophomore, went 15 for 27 passing and 206 yards.

But unlike the previous week, when the La Jolla defense was back on its heels at the start as Hilltop drove for touchdowns on its first two possessions behind running back Jeremiah Rivera, quickly jumping into the lead, 14-0, the Vikings started off this game with the advantage of the opening possession and the resulting score.

So, even with the topsy-turvy start of alternating interceptions with the Torreys, the red and black didn't have the same worry factor at being in an early hole and having to fight back from a deficit.

Rivera ended up with 150 yards on 18 carries. So La Jolla's defense limiting the active Petry to 59 yards was a blessing. LJCDS coach Tyler Hales went to Petry early and often, employing him on the Torreys' second play from scrimmage. Then, in their second drive, the ball was handed off to Petry both times before Kreutzman threw errantly for a pick.

On LJCDS's third drive, occupying the first several minutes of the second quarter, Petry rushed nine times and caught three passes out of the Torreys' 18 plays. Fortunately for the Vikings, that's when big Nick Goehler tackled Petry in the backfield for a loss, turning the ball over to La Jolla on a 4th-and-2.

The high point of the red and black's defense for the game, of course, came on their safety to begin the fourth quarter. The Vikes narrowly led, 20-14, with the hosts in possession. On a 2nd-and-5, with the ball placed on the Torrey six-yard line, Kreutzman, under pressure, was unable to find an open receiver and threw the ball away.

The intentional grounding call, coming with the quarterback in the end zone, led to the safety call and two points for La Jolla. The Vikings had a little more breathing room, now in the lead 22-14.