By Head Coach Ernest Martinez
The Twentynine Palms varsity Wildcat football team traveled to Indio Friday night and took advantage of an outstanding first half of play, leading 53-7 at halftime. The Cats won their second consecutive league contest 65-13.
Offensively, the ’Cats recorded 415 yards of total offense, including going eight for 10 passing for 117 yards. The Wildcats rushed for 298 yards on 27 carries.
Senior quarterback Isaiah Castaneda had another great game, recording four touchdowns for the Wildcats. Castaneda rushed for a 35-yard scoring run, caught a 41-yard touchdown pass, and returned two interceptions for two more scores during the game. He finished with six of eight passing for 71 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed five times for 95 yards and a touchdown.
Senior running back Jonathan Carson also had an terrific game, rushing for 96 yards on five carries and recording three touchdowns, one of which was an interception return. He had 10 carries for 188 yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Mac Miller and Alex Burns also had outstanding games combining for 89 yards on 10 carries. Cezar Hueso had a touchdown reception of 25 yards, and also threw a 41-yard touchdown pass.
The offensive line led by Adam Mapuatuli, George Zama, Nathaniel Brown, Larry Martinez, Glenn Reaves, and Jason Esquite had outstanding games as well.
Defensively the Wildcats had their best game of the season, recording four interceptions and a fumble recovery. The defense scored three of the 10 touchdowns on interception returns and gave the offense outstanding field position throughout the contest. Defensive leaders were Brett Hope, Larry Martinez, Nick Valenzuela, Glenn Reaves, and Jeremiah Kirk. Brett Hope led all defenders with 13 tackles, including four solos. Larry Martinez and Nick Valenzuela combined for 14 total tackles and three quarterback sacks. Glenn Reaves had eight total tackles, and Jeremiah Kirk recorded a pass interception on the first series of the game.
The Wildcats will be on the road next week, traveling to Desert Mirage Friday night. The Rams have an outstanding running offense once again this season. Their league record is 2-2, recording a 52-20 victory over Desert Hot Springs.
The frosh-soph also won on the road this week improving to 5-1 on the season. They will begin their contest at 3:30 Friday afternoon.
