The Twentynine Palms varsity Wildcats set a Battle of the Bell series record with their 11th consecutive victory over Yucca Valley 47-0 Friday night at home. With the win, the ‘Cats also finished the regular season undefeated for the season with a 10-0 record, including an undefeated 6-0-league record. The team will now enter the CIF Northwest Division playoff bracket as the overall number 2 seed. The only other undefeated team in the division, Notre Dame Riverside, will be the number 1 seed. The Wildcats will host the first round game of the playoffs November 13 against Ontario Christian, who was an at-large selection from the Ambassador league.
The Wildcats scored 33 first quarter points, and led 40-0 at halftime in the final regular season game. Senior Beayahn Carrllo scored three touchdowns rushing and had nine carries for 104 yards. Quarterback Jimmy Shragge had a rushing and passing touchdown and 78 yards rushing on the night. Shragge connected on a 11-yard scoring pass to senior Demetrius Holmes to make the score 26-0 with 2:08 left in the first quarter. The Wildcats’ final scores were big plays as senior Donovan Esquilin took a punt return 55 yards for a score, and sophomore K.J. Magwood took the first play of the third quarter 90 yards for the final touchdown of the game for the Cats.
Defensively, the Wildcats forced five sacks, and three turnovers, giving the team outstanding field position throughout the game. Colton Myers intercepted a pass to set up a quick score at the 8-yard line early in the game. He also had a sack and seven tackles for the game. Donovan Esquilin, Eneliko Tuli, and Kyle Hope combined for 17 tackles and two sacks. Caleb Roy and Shane Estrada both had quarterback sacks from their defensive line positions and played well throughout. Junior Ryan Stowers had an interception and a 33-yard return, as well as making 5-point after kicks in the game.
The record-setting Wildcats will now focus on their playoff opponent from Ontario. The Knights bring in a 6-4 record and are ranked 10th in the division. The two teams only have one common opponent, as both defeated Arrowhead Christian earlier in the season. The Knights defeated Arrowhead Christian 41-21 in week 8 before losing their final two games to number1 ranked Notre Dame Riverside, and number 3 ranked Linfield Christian 35-20 on Friday. They also have a 4-2 record against current CIF playoff teams this season.
The Wildcats program concluded the regular season with a overall 19-1 record combining the varsity and frosh-soph records. The frosh-soph lost in the final minute to Yucca Valley 30-28 to finish with a 9-1 season record. This has been one of the most successful seasons in team history, and the ‘Cats wish to thank all of you who have supported them throughout the season. The playoff game will begin at 7 pm. Friday night at Tom Nicoll stadium.
TWENTYNINE PALMS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ENDS LEAGUE PLAY UNDEFEATED, HOSTS CIF GAME FRIDAY
