Hueneme Has Plenty of Leeway to Rout Channel Islands, 41-0

The region’s fourth-best offense played against the fourth-worst defense and was, predictably, unstoppable.

Leslie Lee rushed for 198 yards in 15 carries and scored four touchdowns as Hueneme High clinched a share of the Pacific View League title with a 41-0 victory Friday at Channel Islands.

The Vikings (7-2, 3-1) rolled for 596 yards and limited the Raiders (3-6, 1-2) to 131 yards.

Lee, who sat out last week’s victory against Rio Mesa because of a bruised knee, was thrilled to be healthy.

“It was fun watching the team from the sideline,” Lee said. “But I love football too much to not be playing.”

Coach Larry Miller, whose team has outscored its last two opponents, 95-6, is happy to have Lee back.

“Channel Islands was taking away the outside for Dwayne Taylor,” Miller said, “so we pounded up the middle with Leslie. Our offense has a full head of steam, and I’m very proud of our defense too.”

Lee said the loss to Oxnard in the league opener three weeks ago served as a wake-up call.

“We didn’t come out with a vengeance in that game,” Lee said. “After that loss, we needed to get respect back, not just for ourselves, but for the community”

The Vikings wasted little time in setting the tone for the game. Lee’s 48-yard touchdown reception from Gordie Pinedo came just one play after Jesus Juarez’s fumble recovery and gave Hueneme a 7-0 lead.

After a punt pinned the Vikings on their 16, Pinedo hit Gherrett Levette on a 50-yard pass play, and two plays later, found Taylor for a 32-yard scoring strike.

Pinedo finished 14 of 23 for 252 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.

Taylor finished with 91 yards in 11 carries and 77 yards receiving on five receptions.

In the second quarter, Lee’s 52-yard scoring run up the middle gave Hueneme a 21-0 lead.

With Hueneme leading, 27-0, with 7:36 remaining in the third quarter, the game was delayed 20 minutes because of a power outage caused by a blown main circuit breaker.