LJ FB: Weinberg, Makai, Scully star

Viking running back Justin Scully pounds

for more yards on the ground late in LJ's

52-51 near-comeback Aug. 27.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

By Ed Piper

Taking handoffs and receiving passes from La Jolla quarterback Jackson Stratton--who has been pretty tops in the first two games of Fall 2021--Ryan Weinberg, Justin Scully, and Makai Smith have been building toward productive offensive seasons as well so far.

Stratton, the 6'4" senior committed to the University of Washington, was 22 for 38 for 364 yards and four passing touchdowns in a smashing 42-3 Viking win over Bishop's in their season opener at Edwards Stadium. Jackson added a fifth TD on the ground. The game wasn't a test of La Jolla's strength, rather there were some payback issues to resolve in the local rivals' series from the last few years.

In week two, Stratton copped a 20 for 37 passing line for 470 yards and seven touchdowns in a 52-51 near-comeback loss to visiting Scripps Ranch. The QB added 27 yards on the ground in an active rushing role he had to or chose to play.

In the opener, Stratton connected for TD's with three different receivers, Austin Bale, Ryan Weinberg, and Mason Powers.

In the succeeding week, he spread his touchdowns among four different receivers, Powers, Makai Smith, Weinberg, and Spence Carswell.

Not too bad. But as we were saying, Weinberg is busy building his resume. He had 97 receiving yards on four catches against Bishop's. Against Scripps Ranch, he totaled 62 yards on a pair of receptions and one TD. We'll see more of him in coming weeks.

Scully, not the former Dodgers voice, got our attention in week one grinding out 51 hard-earned yards on eight carries and a touchdown. In the more recent game, he kept our attention with 62 yards on two passes plus a TD. Justin dealt Scripps Ranch's hard-working defense 21 grind-out yards on four carries. He's no slouch.

Then, Smitty caught five passes for 59 yards in week one, no contest that it became. The following week, we witnessed an energetic 131 receiving yards from Makai on five receptions, plus two touchdowns.

All three are good. We have lots more football coming. And, everybody staying healthy, we should see several more shows of the Tyler Roach-directed offense this fall. What a welcome break after the shutdown of COVID for so many.