Foothill Rings Up Another Shutout as Villa Park Falls

After relying on its offense in three consecutive victories, Foothill’s defense dictated the outcome in a 12-0 Century League victory Friday night against Villa Park at Fred Kelly Stadium.

The Knights, who recorded their second consecutive shutout and fourth victory in a row, limited Villa Park to 135 yards in offense and 47 yards rushing. They also held Villa Park running back Grant Pearsall, who entered the game averaging 115 yards per game, to 39 yards in 12 carries.

“We weren’t sensational, but we just kept plugging away,” Foothill Coach Tom Meiss said. “I’m just happy we were fortunate to get a couple of turnovers and cash them in.”

Two Foothill touchdowns, one after a turnover in the second quarter, were all the Knights needed.

Jason DeAngelo’s one-yard scoring run with 2:20 remaining in the first half capped a 13-play, 87-yard drive for a 6-0 lead.

An interception by Foothill linebacker Clay Roberts led to the second score less than two minutes later. Paul King’s diving catch of a nine-yard touchdown pass from Kevin Daft gave Foothill a 12-0 lead with 26 seconds remaining in the first half.

Foothill’s defense, led by tackles Chris Hoke and Tony Tuioti, dominated the rest of the way. It limited Villa Park (4-3, 1-1) to two yards rushing and 41 yards in offense in the second half. Three turnovers also hurt the Spartans.

“Our defensive front is physical,” Foothill defensive coordinator Dan Stroup said. “And we keep getting better and better each week. I wouldn’t want to play us late in the season.”

Foothill (4-3, 2-0) finished with 387 yards in offense, 272 on the ground. Daft rushed for 90 yards in 10 carries.

Foothill’s victory sets up a showdown for first place against host Canyon Thursday night.