HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: WEEK 3 : Montclair Prep Sends Big-Time Message in 21-0 Victory Over Van Nuys

Montclair Prep wanted to make a statement in its rare opportunity to showcase its small-school success against a big-time City Section school.

Or more accurately, the Mountie defense wanted to transform that statement into a number against Van Nuys on Friday night.

“We wanted to keep that goose egg up there,” said defensive back Ken Peffer, gesturing at the scoreboard following Montclair Prep’s 21-0 victory over the Wolves at Valley College. “This was our chance to show we can play with anyone.”

The Montclair Prep defense, one of the best statistically in the area through the first two weeks, contained Robert Williamson, the area’s City Section passing leader, and controlled talented tailback John McPherson.

Williamson completed eight of 21 passes for 52 yards and two interceptions. McPherson, who concerned the Mounties (3-0) more than the Wolves’ passing attack, gained 51 yards in 13 carries.

Van Nuys (1-2) was held to 94 yards and just one scoring opportunity. Trailing, 14-0, the Wolves drove to the Montclair Prep six, but three running plays and a pass from Williamson to Tremayne Ware gained just three yards.

The only hindrance to the Mounties was penalties. Montclair Prep was flagged 16 times for 132 yards, including a clipping call on an apparent 74-yard scoring pass from Robert Neumann to Rahshawn Jones.

Van Nuys received 11 penalties for 83 yards.

The Mountie offense, consisting mostly of tailback Akil Anderson, was sufficient against Van Nuys.

Anderson, who missed last week’s game against Murphy because of an ankle injury, didn’t show any ill effects.

Anderson got the call on eight of the nine plays as Montclair Prep drove 80 yards on its first possession.

Anderson scored on a four-yard run, dragging several would-be tacklers into the end zone.

Following the drive, Van Nuys stacked the line of scrimmage to contain Anderson. The strategy worked until the fourth quarter, when Anderson broke free for a 30-yard run.

Anderson later had a 29-yard run before being tripped at the Van Nuys one. Demetris Green scored two plays later.

Anderson gained 150 yards in 28 carries.

“The ankle was about 90% going in,” Anderson said. “After that first drive I knew it was going to be fine.”

Montclair Prep increased the lead to 14-0 late in the first quarter when Williamson’s pass was intercepted by Peffer and returned 22 yards for a score.