Grande gridiron report: Spartans benefit from solid practices; Cougars can't ... - TriValley Central
Following an excellent week of practice, the Spartans were in top form for Friday night’s game against Rio Rico. The 49-0 victory provided a much-needed boost for Vista Grande (2-7), which snapped a four-game losing streak. “I was thinking the worst with (the distractions) of homecoming and Senior Night, but the kids were focused all week,” Vista Grande coach Carlo Hernandez said. The offense generated 26 first downs and 549 total yards (322 rushing, 227 passing) in putting up more points than in the last five games combined. With Vista Grande employing the no-huddle “NASCAR” approach that Hernandez developed early in his head coaching career, the Spartans led 22-0 after one quarter and 35-0 at halftime. Opponents had outscored Vista Grande 84-6 in the opening period of previous games. Although Hernandez has had the team running the NASCAR offense in practice for a few weeks to keep players focused, he said had no intention of using it in a game. Quarterback Patrick Amerson completed 13 of 20 passes for 217 yards, with TD throws of 11 yards to Sergio Iruegas, 74 yards to Leo Lopez and 16 yards to Aaron Soto. Lopez had 95 yards on three catches and rushed for 87 yards and two TDs on 11 carries. Matt Leija rushed for 75 yards and a TD on nine attempts, Iruegas had 69 yards on seven carries, and Debreaunt Haskin gained 43 yards on six attempts. Source: www.trivalleycentral.com
