Week 9 rundown

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Saugus defeated Canyon to set up a Foothill League title showdown, Newbury Park lost its first game and Palmdale claimed a share of its sixth consecutive Golden League crown. Here’s some other highlights from Week 9:

Graham the Great: OK, so maybe Valencia QB Graham Wilbert isn’t as famous as some other Vikings like Leif Eriksson, pictured right, or Harald Hardrada, but his 359-yard, three-TD performance in Valencia’s 36-6 victory over West Ranch was huge. The Vikings now have a shot at making the postseason with a victory over Canyon on Friday.

Hall running: St. Bonaventure star RB Darrell Scott was on the sidelines in street clothes during the Seraphs’ 47-7 victory over San Marcos, undoubtedly resting up for the playoffs and his recruiting visit to Colorado. However, it gave talented RB Patrick Hall the chance to strut his stuff. Hall scored four TDs on runs of 75, 14 and 21 yards and off a 58-yard pass.

High Desert marathon: Lancaster RB Taveon Burke capped off a 127-yard night with a five-yard TD in the fifth overtime to push the Eagles to a 50-47 victory over Antelope Valley. Burke, who’s been the brightest offensive star for the Eagles all season, has 1,152 and 16 TDs heading into a critical game against Palmdale on Friday. Handing the Falcons what could be their second loss in 32 Golden League games would clinch a playoff berth for the Eagles.

Title ahoy: Morro Bay claimed its first league title since 1971 on Friday with a 46-16 victory over rival St. Joseph. QB Logan Budd had another outstanding game, passing for 129 yards and a TD and rushing for 117 yards and two TDs. He also scored on one of his two interceptions. Like St. Joseph Coach Mike Hartman said, Budd is the MVP of the Los Padres League.

-- Austin Knoblauch

-- Image from digital.library.upenn.edu