Great Oak pulls away for 35-6 victory over Paloma Valley

Quarterback Noah Howard finds some running room for Paloma Valley High Friday night. (Photos by Kristi Jo Aguirre)

 Content contributed by Jaiden Martinez

The Paloma Valley High School football team trailed by just one touchdown entering the fourth quarter, but the Great Oak running game broke the game open in the final period to defeat the Wildcats 35-6 Friday night.

Before the Wildcats’ Homecoming crowd, Great Oak blocked a Paloma Valley punt to set up a touchdown run early in the game for a 7-0 lead. The Wolfpack increased the lead to 14-0 in the second quarter, with Paloma struggling to move the ball. There were bright spots for the Wildcats, however, including two pass break-ups by Cayden Aguilar and overall solid play by the linebacker corps.

The score was still 14-0 when Paloma Valley got on the scoreboard in the third quarter on an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Noah Howard to Jonathan Medina. An interception by Darryl Dubose gave the Wildcats another offensive opportunity, but the Great Oak defense was up to the task.

Three touchdowns in the fourth quarter enabled the Wolfpack to score the victory and improve its season record to 2-3. Paloma Valley is 0-4.

Leading the way for the Paloma Valley defense were Tristan Keplinger (8 tackles), Jacob Hornbeack (7 tackles), Bryan Cortez (5 tackles, 1 sack), Dubose (5 tackles, 1 interception), and Elijah Orellana (5 tackles).

Howard passed for 98 yards and a touchdown and ran for 50 yards. Dylan Brandenburg caught 4 passes for 51 yards. Riley Flores carried the ball 15 times for 57 yards and Keplinger had 7 carries for 31 yards.

Paloma Valley has next week off before playing host to Heritage in the annual Menifee Bowl on Oct. 1.

In the above photo, Wildcats coach Zach Dilley talks to players on the sidelines.

Paloma Valley defender Darryl Dubose takes down Great Oak wide receiver Cade Bryant.