By Ed Piper
La Jolla's 2024 football team (7-5) was dealt a season-ending defeat by host Helix in the CIF Division 2 quarterfinals Fri., Nov. 15.
Carson Diehl, the Vikings' All-CIF First Team selection last year as a sophomore, was back to his spectacular self following nagging injuries that slowed him down this year. The 6'2" leaper caught 10 receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown from La Jolla quarterback Hudson Smith.
Smith, himself, performed admirably much of the game after spending the week sick and unable to practice at full speed. He accumulated 216 yards, completing 17 of 27 passes and three TD's with two interceptions.
Another highlight player was Viking senior Hank Hansen, an H-back performing in his final game--he hopes to play college baseball--before being knocked out of the game in the second half. "HHH" scored two TD's on receptions, and had a fierce two-point catch after one touchdown.
The Highlanders, who have a rich tradition in a surprisingly tiny facility (the home side is largely unlit and not to larger-stadium capacity; the visitors side stands are built inside the track, which means there is almost no sideline to stand on), rode relentless 5'10" running back Pablo Jackson, not big but hard-working, to 275 yards yards on 21 carries.
Helix, which boasts Heisman Trophy winner and Hall of Famer Reggie Bush and NFL QB Alex Smith among its alumni, combined crafty passing from their quarterback with physical play from the defense to come back time and again to score in the second half when La Jolla threatened.
A critical play with six minutes left in the fourth quarter, when Viking coach Tyler Roach's squad was threatening to score on first-and-goal on the Helix nine-yard line, resulted when the ball fell loose and was recovered as an interception by Highlander Deandre Wilson, a freshman defensive tackle, who lumbered down the field.
The play was called back to the Helix 13-yard line for an illegal blindside tackle by the Highlanders, but Coach Damaja Jones' team retained the ball and saw clear sailing in the final minutes.
Viking running back Aidan "Carolina" McGill, an Eastern League Second Team pick as a junior last season, provided his customary grit and hard running between the tackles, extending multiple carries for extra yardage as he evaded or dragged would-be tacklers with him.
Conditions Friday night were chilly, with temperatures in the Mt. Helix area dropping to 53 degrees during the second half, extremely cold for this time of year. Cheerleaders wore sweatsuits and long pants, and fans were bundled up in scarves and heavy jackets.
2024 has been a year of successes, as well as frustrations, with assorted injuries and young on-field leadership hopefully learning some key lessons to move forward.
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