Kennedy football gets big defensive plays to beat Van Nuys

VAN NUYS — A pair of interceptions in the end zone helped the Kennedy High football team wrap up the Valley Mission League in unbeaten fashion with a win over Van Nuys, 32-19, on Friday night.

Seniors Amare Rhodes and Justyn Sears each intercepted potential touchdowns in the regular season finale for the Cougars (8-2, 6-0 Valley Mission).

“It shows when our back was against the wall, we weren’t folding,” said Kennedy coach Troy Cassidy. “Those guys made big plays to get us the ball back.”

After playing a scoreless first quarter, Kennedy broke through on the first play of the second quarter. Running back Josue Sandoval scored on an 8-yard run, carrying a would-be tackler into the end zone with him. A junior, Sandoval finished with 174 rushing yards on 21 carries. He also added a fourth-quarter rushing score.

“When he has the ball and he’s running through piles, and being able to take guys with him and get those extra yards, it just makes us tough to stop,” said Cassidy.

The Cougars defense made it a two-score lead on the possession following Sandoval’s first touchdown. Rhodes stripped the ball from a Van Nuys player and returned it more than 50 yards for a touchdown. He had pair of interceptions and a pass breakup on defense while he pulled in five receptions for 95 yards.

“He’s just a special player for us,” said Cassidy. “He’s electric with the ball in his hands and he’s had a really great season for us.”

Kennedy junior quarterback Diego Montes scored on a 24-yard keeper. The rushing score was part of a night that saw him go for 100 yards on the ground.

Francisco Ceja kicked a 31-yard field in the win.

Carlos Herrera threw touchdowns to Marlon Figueroa and Jeremy Rivas in the loss. Figueroa also had a running score for the Wolves (6-5, 3-3 Valley Mission).

“A huge shoutout to that team across the field,” said Cassidy. “Van Nyus is very well coached and they played a great football game. They really caused a lot of problems for us.”