HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ROUNDUP : Big Play Gives El Capitan a Victory over Santana, Grossmont 2-A Crown

The big play helped El Capitan (7-2-1, 4-0) clinch the Grossmont 2-A League title at Santana (4-5-1, 2-1-1). Two long runs in El Capitan’s 34-16 victory fulfilled the players’ preseason vow to win seven games this year.

Juniors Eric Rockhold and James Hopkins combined for 254 yards rushing, and each had dazzling scoring runs.

In the second quarter, Rockhold took advantage of a big hole for a 49-yard touchdown run on the second play after a Santana touchdown. Rockhold would eventually score three touchdowns while rushing for 138 yards on 18 carries.

Hopkins scored a 93-yarder on the Vaqueros’ next possession and finished with 116 yards on only seven carries.

El Capitan scored on its first possession driving 78 yards. A nine-yard pass from quarterback Rob Vickery to Greg Ryan capped the drive.

The Sultans answered with a 70-yard scoring drive that ended when running back Jason Lewis rushed from 10 yards out. Santana’s conversion kick sailed left and El Capitan led, 7-6.

After both teams traded punts in the third quarter, El Capitan put together a scoring drive, methodically working its way into the end zone.

Twice the Vaqueros found themselves faced with fourth-and-one situations, and both times the offensive line gave quarterback Vickery space for successful keepers. The drive carried into the fourth quarter and ended when Rockhold scored from nine yards out.