LJ FB 31, LJ Country Day 10 - Week 3 9/5

The Vikings' Lukas Grismer (7) defends

LJCD's Hesh Hertz (5) on a Jett Astephen pass

in the end zone that went incomplete.

The situation was third-and-nine, LJHS

leading 10-7. The Torreys only got

a field goal to tie, 10-10, with 3:39 left.

By Ed Piper

"It wasn't pretty, but it was a win. We have a lot to learn, and a lot of things to work on."

That's what Viking coach Tyler Roach told his team after a 31-10 win at Country Day Friday night, Sept. 5. La Jolla made mistakes, but three interceptions, soph running back Aiden Farrell, and super-athlete Carson Diehl made the difference.

Torreys coach Tyler Hales said earlier in the day, "Our numbers are down," and that was evident as the home team warmed up on the north end of the field before the game. The entire program--JV's and varsity--consists of 46 or so players this season.

But Country Day was game, and didn't give up. Senior quarterback Jett Astephen was limping on his right leg in the fourth quarter, after being hit several times.

Until the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Vikings barely led, 10-7. To that point, it was a low-scoring game.

Then, Roach, wanting to get past the repeated mistakes and let the engine purr a little, turned to Diehl and Farrell. Diehl, from the wildcat, stretched and strained, his lanky but strong 6'2" frame taking off on runs that forced fourth-year Torrey Defensive Coordinator Keenan Howry's unit to chase him wherever he went.

Farrell was just plain consistent, running for the hard yardage and the easier yards as well. He totalled 227 yards. His zig-zag approach once again put his opponents at a disadvantage. Aiden said before the game, "I look at what gap the linebackers are, and if the safeties are coming up.

"I try to score on every play."

With eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, Torrey having tied 10-10 on a field goal on the previous possession, Diehl ran from the wildcat three straight times to score from 14 yards out. La Jolla (now 2-1) led, 17-10.

Country Day turned the ball over after five plays. Freshman QB Ty Tortorice, in a replay of last week's winning combo against Patrick Henry, completed a pass to Carson in the middle and Diehl ran it in on a play that covered 62 1/2 yards. The Vikings put the game away at 24-10, with only 3:36 remaining.

Junior end Nico Bardaro sacked Astephen at 3:09 to ensure the win. The Vikings' Charlie Martin, ran for 12 yards and a TD that was frosting on the cake, for the 31-10 final.

Safety Moxy Appelbaum (behind) stops

the Torreys' Hesh Hertz on a kickoff

return in the second quarter.