By Coach Ernest Martinez
The Twentynine Palms High School varsity Wildcats won their second league contest 46-0 Thursday night over Indio, moving into fourth place in the Desert Valley League with a 2-2 record.
Carson Estrada was 10 of 20 passing for 218 yards; tossing three touchdown passes in the game. Chris Rantzow had two touchdown receptions and 106 yards receiving throughout the contest.
Jacob Hueso had a 57-yard touchdown reception in the second half, and secured several key catches in the game.
Chris Pacheco had his second 100-yard rushing game of the season. Pacheco excelled with 20 carries for 135 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
The offensive line, led by George Zama, Gabe Rangel, Micah Pollnow, Joel Horn, and Nate Brown, all had an outstanding game, as the Wildcats rushed for 185 yards and passed for 217.
Defensively, the Wildcats held Indio to 60 total yards of offense and only three yards rushing in the second half. The ’Cats’ defense has not been scored against in the last two games.
Jordan Tua, Justin Peters, Johnny Puonno, Martin Rodriguez, Richard Sandoval all played outstanding during the game from the defensive front line. The Wildcats’ defense sacked the Indio quarterback 11 times, and forced six turnovers; including two interceptions by Jeremiah Kirk, which set up two offensive touchdowns. Linebackers Matai Patu, Erik Stone, and Jeremiah Kirk helped to force four fumbles throughout the game. Junior defensive end, John Pacina had a 50-yard fumble return for a defensive touchdown. Junior defensive ends Connor Poss and Dustin Menard played well in the fourth quarter combining on two quarterback sacks and forcing two turnovers.
With their second consecutive league victory complete, the Wildcats will look to repeat last season’s run of five consecutive league wins to reach the playoffs.
The Wildcats will host Desert Mirage Friday for an important league contest, which is also the Homecoming game for the school, and alumni are invited to celebrate. The frosh-soph game will begin at 4 p.m. with the varsity game starting at 7.
