La Jolla’s Intensity Translates to Victory

Intensity.

La Jolla Coach Dick Huddleston had preached it all week in practice, and it carried over as La Jolla defeated West Hills, 34-7, in the quarterfinals of the San Diego Section 2-A football playoffs at West Hills.

La Jolla led, 20-7, at halftime and after a scoreless third quarter powered to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

With six minutes remaining, La Jolla’s Nick Alford ran 30 yards in five carries to score his second touchdown of the game and give La Jolla a 27-7 lead. Alford carried the ball 28 times for 149 yards.

“We knew they (West Hills defense) would be good and that we’d have to run the offense with no mistakes,” Alford said. “Our line did an excellent job.”

On West Hills’ next possession, Hannon Brett intercepted Joey Fitzgerald’s pass and ran 11 yards before being stopped. After a five-yard run by Brett and a four-yard run by quarterback Brian Hidalgo, Brett ran 20 yards for the touchdown. La Jolla took its 34-7 lead with 1:46 remaining in the game.

The Viking defense forced six turnovers, three on interceptions.

In the second quarter, Alford scored on an eight-yard run to break a 7-7 tie.

On La Jolla’s next possession, Eric Zadeyan kicked a 37-yard field goal. He later kicked a 33-yard field goal to give the Vikings a 20-7 halftime lead.

West Hills only touchdown came in its second possession of the game on a one-yard run by Mike Campbell. Nathan Vail’s kick was good to tie the score, 7-7.