By Ernest Martinez, Head Coach
The Twentynine Palms High School varsity Wildcats played a solid first half, but gave up 20 fourth-quarter points in a 48-13 loss to Division 8 team Sultana from Hesperia.
The Wildcats took an early 7-0 lead on a 25-yard scoring touchdown pass from senior quarterback Cezar Hueso, who connected on a diving reception to senior Isaiah Castaneda. Castaneda had an outstanding game, scoring the Wildcats’ only two touchdowns, including a 65-yard scoring run in the second quarter to bring the Cats to within one point.
Trailing only 13-14 late in the second quarter, an 85-yard-kickoff return down to the home team’s 5-yard line set up the final score of the first half, and the visitors took a 20-13 lead into halftime.
Offensive standouts for the Wildcats were Isaiah Castaneda with 193 total yards, including two touchdowns; Cezar Hueso was eight of 12 passing for 62 yards and one touchdown pass. Jonathan Carson had 64 yards of total offense for the contest.
Defensive leaders were Luke Emmons, Isaiah Castaneda, Jonathan Carson, Larry Martinez, and Brett Hope. Emmons led the team with 11 total tackles. Castaneda had eight total tackles. Martinez had seven tackles including two for a loss. Carson and Hope combined for 14 total tackles in an outstanding game.
The Wildcats will have a week off next week, and then return home for the first-ever Desert Valley League game on Friday September 14 against Banning. The two teams were once members of the De Anza league, before Banning joined the Mountain Pass league several years ago. The two teams are now members of the Desert Valley league, including Yucca Valley, Coachella Valley, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Indio, and Desert Mirage.
The frosh-soph game was cancelled and they will also play September 14 at 4 p.m. against Banning.
