Winning streak continues for TPHS freshman football team

By Walter Bays

Torrey Pines freshman Falcons extended their winning streak to 4-0 with a 35-14 win over the Westview Wolverines. Both teams entered the game undefeated, Torrey Pines having beaten Sweetwater 41-0, Mission Hills 56-21, and Cathedral Catholic 10-0. Westview had bested Rancho Buena Vista 28-20, and Del Norte 28-7.

The Wolverines led 8-7 at the end of a first half in which the Falcons turned the ball over on downs once, fumbled, and were intercepted twice, while Westview turned over on downs twice. For such a defensive struggle, there were plenty of fireworks, including a touchdown pass by Wolverine #1 Beau Nelson to #44 Joe Bennett and a 61 yard touchdown run by Falcon #34 Gaston Schenk. Zach Friedland #42 thought he had put the Falcons’ first points on the board when he returned a kickoff 75 yards into the end zone, but a penalty brought it back.

Not to be denied, Friedland took the opening kickoff of the second half back 75 yards and this time the points stayed up, Falcons 14-8. Westview surged back with a long drive capped with a 47-yard touchdown pass to Bennett to tie the game. The Falcons #11 Sully O’Brien struck back quickly with a 33-yard pass reception and a 35-yard run to put Torrey Pines up 21-14.

Westview stopped Torrey Pines next drive with an interception by #2 Tyler Slaton, but Friedland took it right back with an interception of his own on the Falcons’ own 43, and on the next offensive series he took the handoff all the way to make it 28-14 as the third quarter ended. Short on time deep at their own 13, the Wolverines tried to go to the air where they had success earlier, but Falcon #22 Beau Morgans denied them with back-to-back interceptions on Westview’s next two possessions. One turnover was converted to points with a run by #24 Matthew Goena to put the Falcons on top, 35-14.

The final drama of the game came after a Westview punt pinned Torrey Pines on its own 4-yard line. An 11-yard run by #16 Cole Mihalinec picked up a first down that allowed the Falcons to run out the clock to seal their victory.

On Sept. 25, Westview faces San Marcos on the road while Torrey Pines plays Poway at home.