By Head Coach Ernest Martinez
In the Wildcats’ first ever Desert Valley league contest, Twentynine Palms High School failed to hold on to a 12-8 lead early in the fourth, losing to Banning 22-12. The Broncos scored two fourth quarter scores to take the victory in a very close contest throughout. Both teams ran 53 plays, and had nearly identical offensive totals at 320 to 330; however three turnovers for the ’Cats and one turnover for the Broncos were critical during the contest.
Isaiah Castaneda once again was the Wildcats’ offensive leader, scoring two touchdowns, and had a 74-yard punt return called back on a penalty late in the fourth quarter. Castaneda had 160 yards receiving on six catches, and rushed for 17 yards. He also completed two of four passes for 16 yards.
Senior quarterback Cezar Hueso had 260 yards passing on 12 of 29 passing attempts and two touchdowns. Jonathan Carson had four receptions for 66 yards. Neolani Bullion had two receptions for 20 yards.
Defensive leaders were Isaiah Castaneda, Brett Hope, Jonathan Carson, and Nick Valenzuela. Castaneda had nine assists and three solos, and Hope recorded 10 total tackles including four solos, and six assists. Carson and Valenzuela combined for 15 total tackles. Valenzuela had a quarterback sack and a tackle for a loss. Larry Martinez and Seth Williford also recorded a quarterback sack during the game.
The Wildcats will travel to Coachella Valley to take on the defending league champions from last season. Coachella Valley won their contest over Yucca Valley 34-26 Friday night. The game time will be 4 p.m. for junior varsity, and 7 p.m. for the varsity.
The frosh-soph team won its contest against Banning to improve to 3-0.
