During their first home game of the season, the Encinal football team quickly found themselves down 6-0 against the Hercules Titans. Unfazed by giving up a touchdown on the Titans’ first drive, the Jets’ defense tightened up and did not allow Hercules to score another touchdown the rest of the game. The end result was a 20-6 win at Willie Stargell Field.
The season-opening win was huge for the Jets who went 1-9 last year.
“We have way more energy and everyone’s putting in the effort that we need,” said senior linebacker Kaleb Westbrooks. “We didn’t really have that last year and we look way better. It’s going to be a good season.”
A key part of Encinal’s win was running back Alex Martson, who shredded Hercules with 15 carries for 194 yards and 3 touchdowns. The junior also contributed on defensive with 6 tackles. Marston thought his third touchdown was the most impressive.
“I think it was the last touchdown,” Marston said. “I think that’s where our hopes [went] up. That last one, [made] a statement.”
The Jets needed a successful ground game as their starting QB was injured a few weeks before the season started. As a result, second string quarterback Geezy-Kyle Reyes started his first varsity game ever.
“It was the first ever game I’ve ever played in,” Reyes said. “And I was starting in it and we got the dub.”
Reyes went 4-for-8 for 11 yards and one interception.
Encinal’s run offensive controlled the tempo of the match, but it was the Jets’ amazing defense that secured the victory. In addition to strong play from Westbrooks and Marston, senior Marco Garcia had 3 tackles for a loss and Charles Snell had 6 tackles.
With a record of 1-0, team morale is at an all-time high, and while there are always places to improve, the players trust the coaches and each other.
“I love my coaches and my team,” said Reyes. “I put all my trust in them when we are on the field to help get better as a player.”
The Jets face Arroyo on the road September 2.
