Sierra Canyon football makes all the plays in rout of Notre Dame
SHERMAN OAKS – The Sierra Canyon football team dominated Notre Dame Friday, 50-17, to move to 2-0 in Mission League play. The Trailblazers scored in all three facets of the game and forced three turnovers on the way to the victory.
“I thought that all three facets of the game did a good job tonight,” Sierra Canyon coach Jon Ellinghouse said. “Notre Dame has a guy in their quarterback that if you give him an inch he can go all the way and I thought we did a great job of swarming on him and keeping him contained all night.”
Cal commit Jae’on Young had two interceptions for Sierra Canyon in the game, including one he returned 63 yards for a touchdown in the first half. Young also had a touchdown reception from backup quarterback Chase Everett at the end of the game for Sierra Canyon’s last score.
“I think as a defensive back unit, we played really good today,” Young said. “I feel like the DBs have been playing exceptionally well all year and it feels great having those two picks and just trusting my abilities.”
Utah commit and former Notre Dame quarterback Wyatt Becker had a solid game for Sierra Canyon. He completed 12 of his 24 passes for 131 yards and one touchdown and one interception. Becker also ran the ball four times for 78 yards, including a 53-yard run in the second half against his former school.
“It’s kinda weird being back here and playing on Notre Dame’s field as a Sierra Canyon Trailblazer,” Becker said. “Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better game. My team balled out and I am super proud of them.”
Sierra Canyon scored 14 of its first 21 points on special teams plays. Their first touchdown came on a blocked punt by Braxton Boyle that was recovered by Sean Jones in the end zone.
The second came from a punt returned 48 yards by Havon Finney Jr. to make the score 21-3. Becker’s lone touchdown pass of the night went to De’Markus Barnes in the first half.
The Sierra Canyon defense was dominant throughout, including four sacks with a forced safety. Five-star sophomore defensive end Richard Wesley had two sacks in the game for the Trailblazers. Jonah Nadley also recovered a fumble for Sierra Canyon on a bad Notre Dame handoff.
“Their QB is one of the fastest dudes I’ve ever went against,” Wesley said. “We went into that game knowing we had to stay in our passing lanes and the mentality of the D-line was just to attack, attack, attack.”
Sierra Canyon kicker Ashton Zamani was two of three on his kicks, with his lone miss being a blocked kick. Dane Dunn ran the ball seven times for 51 yards and one touchdown for Notre Dame and Jaxson Stokes had six carries for 65 yards for the Trailblazers.
Notre Dame scored two touchdowns in the second half when Steele Pizzella found Luc Weaver and Tre Fernandez for touchdown passes. Will Weisburg also hit a 24-yard field goal for Notre Dame.
The win for the Trailblazers marked their 11th straight Mission League win. Sierra Canyon will look to move to 3-0 in Mission League play next week when they take on Bishop Amat. Notre Dame will look to bounce back and get their second league win when they take on Serra at home next week.