By Coach Ernest Martinez
The Twentynine Palms varsity Wildcats lost at home to the number-one ranked team in division 8, Rancho Mirage, 47-7. The Rattlers defeated the Wildcats at home for the second consecutive season.
The Wildcats fell behind early after two long drives by the visiting team. However, the ’Cats responded with a 65-yard scoring drive late in the first quarter to bring the score to 14-7. Jonathan Carson scored on an 8-yard run, which was set up by key pass plays from Cezar Hueso to Neolani Bullion and Isaiah Castaneda.
On the next series, the Rattlers once again consumed large portions of time from the clock on a 13-play drive to take a 21-7 lead into the second quarter.
Senior running back Jonathan Carson returned the kickoff 95 yards down to the 1-yard line, following the visiting touchdown, but a late penalty brought the ball back to midfield on the return. The ’Cats drove inside the 20-yard line but failed to convert on a fourth-down and long play.
The Rattlers then put two consecutive scores up to take a 35-7 lead at half. The visitors rushed for over 380 yards behind a strong offensive line.
Offensive leaders for the ’Cats were: Jonathan Carson with 196 all-purpose yards; Neolani Bullion and Isaiah Castaneda led the team with four receptions each, combining for 83 yards; Brett Hope had a 25-yard reception; and Carson had a 15-yard catch.
Defensive leaders were Brett Hope, Nick Valenzuela and Luke Emmons, and Isaiah Castaneda. Hope and Valenzuela led the team with nine tackles each, and Emmons and Castaneda recorded seven each.
The Wildcats will now travel to Big Bear to face the defending division 12 CIF Champion. The Bears were moved up to division 8 following their 2017 season. The game time will be 10:45 for the frosh/soph game and 1:30 for the varsity on Saturday August 25.
