Viking kicker Evan Martin has an extra point
blocked by Granite Hills' Easton Peterson
with 4:12 left in the first quarter,
La Jolla trailing 14-6 in their CIF
playoff game Fri., Nov. 11.
(Photos by Ed Piper)
By Ed Piper
"We were like those who dream..."
La Jolla's football team, heavy underdogs to number-one seed Granite Hills in the Division 2 playoffs, was feeding its dreams late in the second quarter Fri., Nov. 11.
Down 28-6 from some greased lightning by the hosts, Viking quarterback Jackson Diehl scored on a keeper on the final play of a disciplined 85-yard drive from the La Jolla 15 for 28-12.
Then, seconds later, Diehl was part of a surprise flea flicker to receiver Nick Sebro that covered 35 yards after Granite Hills fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Chris Johannsen picked it up at midfield. Eagles 28, Vikings now 18.
La Jolla looked lively, the hosts looked sloppy, a little wobbly.
But after Granite Hills went four plays and punted on the next series, the momentum dropped on the Vikings' own fumbled punt reception.
QB Parlan Sanders led Coach Kellan Cobbs' prolific offense to another quick TD, including a long pass play on second-and-10 to the Viking five-yard line. 35-18 going into halftime, but La Jolla still contemplated upset.
It wasn't to be, but for a brief period there in the second quarter, the Vikings entertained visions of doing more than surviving against the number-one seed. Maybe even coming back in the second half, and causing Granite Hills to collapse.
The Eagles prevailed, 56-25, to carry themselves into the Division 2 semifinals Nov. 18.
La Jolla finished the season 6-6, with another playoff berth. Coach Tyler Roach's team fought hard, had some growing pain, but continued the "new" black-and-red ability to come to win, exceed expectations, and be a true force during Roach's five-year regime.
Justin Scully (left), star Viking running back/
linebacker, chats with his dad, a former coach,
during halftime of the Nov. 11 game at Granite.
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