The Twentynine Palms High School football team defeated Granite Hills 55-13 in their home opener. The Twentynine Palms varsity Wildcats scored 35 second-quarter points, which led to a 49-6 halftime lead over the visiting Cougars from Granite Hills. The Wildcats’ defense was just as impressive, forcing four turnovers, all of which led to Wildcat touchdowns in the first half.
Coach Ernest Martinez said senior quarterback D’Shaun Barrett led the team offensively, 7 for 7 passing for 181 yards, and three touchdowns. Senior Hunter Tygart averaged 14.5 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns, rushing for over 115 yards in the first half. Junior wide receiver Isaiah Castaneda scored three touchdowns, including a 74-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, and an 18-yeard interception return to set up the first touchdown of the game on the first defensive series. Junior defensive back Cesar Hueso had an interception with 40 seconds left in the quarter, which set up an 18-yard rushing score by Castaneda.
Defensively, Finn O’Brien led the team in tackles with 14 for the game. Senior linebackers KJ Morton, and Hunter Tygart combined for eight tackles, and Morton also scored a rushing touchdown for the game. Tristan Carpenter had two quarterback sacks and a defensive interception. Mac Miller and Nick Valenzuela each had seven tackles.
Senior receiver Bryton Williams had an 18-yard touchdown reception early in the second quarter.
The offensive line, led by Casey Allen, Andrew Wallace, Sean Sears, Kyle Kropacek, and Adam Mapuatuli, had an outstanding game, as the Wildcats were never forced to punt and scored a touchdown on their first seven offensive drives of the half.
The Wildcats will host their second contest of the year Friday night against Indio. Indio defeated Desert Mirage 45-18 to open the season. Indio is ranked number 7 in Division 13, and several key starters are returning from last season.
