Stretch and Footman Pace Esperanza’s 56-14 Victory

Chris Stretch passed for 154 yards in the first half and Dahrin Footman scored four touchdowns as Esperanza rolled over Santa Maria, 56-14, Friday night.

The Aztecs (3-1), ranked third in county, jumped ahead on the second play of the game on a 61-yard scoring dash by Footman. But the Saints (0-4), who dressed only 28 players, fought back quickly and led the game, 7-6, two minutes into the first quarter.

The Aztecs never looked back, scoring five more touchdowns in the first half for a 42-14 halftime lead. Stretch completed nine of 11 passes for the half.

“I think Chris showed he can put the ball where he wants it,” Aztec Coach Gary Meek said. “We could have really opened it up.”

Instead, Meek pulled Stretch out two plays into the second half. Esperanza backup quarterback Dave Parrish filled in with limited success.

Footman had rushed for 139 yards and two touchdowns by halftime. He finished the game with 15 carries for 174 yards. Footman had several large gains called back because of Aztec penalties, and was removed from the game in the third quarter.

“Dahrin could have easily had 270 yards,” Meek said.

Wide receiver Brian Forth got most of his yards after the catch, leading the Aztecs with six catches for 110 yards. Running back Jamal Footman added 42 yards in six carries.