Trojans take big win from Silver Knights

ORO GRANDE • The Trojans’ offense was steady all night, putting points on the board in every quarter, while the defense held its opponent scoreless, as Silver Valley beat Riverside Prep, 48-0, on Friday, in Desert Mountain League football play.

“We had a very good game on both sides of the ball,” said Trojans head coach John Stewart. “We held them out of the end zone on three different occasions when they were inside the ten. We got big defensive games from everyone.”

The defense was led by Jordan Gibson, who was named defensive player of the game. Gibson’s performance was highlighted by four tackles and two interceptions, along with a touchdown.

Meanwhile, the offense was in gear, with a touchdown in the first and fourth quarters, and two in each of the second and third. Robert Santiago got it started, scoring a 21-yard rushing touchdown with three minutes to go in the first. James Liker made good on this kick and the five others he’d take on the night, going a perfect 6-for-6.

Santiago would score again for a pair of TD’s, while Daniel Quixchan also scored twice, and Gibson and Dante Fields once each. Santiago was named the offensive player of the game, and Fields, with 150 yards of offense and six tackles, was the overall player of the game.
Brian Ili had nine tackles, Anthony Aguilera 2.5 sacks, and Evan Martinez connected nine times on 14 attempts for 165 yards passing, including four passes to Fields for 125 yards.

“The school needed a win like this,” said Stewart, “especially after last week’s heartbreaker.”

The Trojans suffered a tough loss to Vasquez in last Friday’s Homecoming game. This game not only got them back on the winning track, but left Valley with records of 3-5 overall, 2-1 in the DML, with two to go.

This Friday, the Trojans will travel to Boron, with the final game of the regular season being played at Mammoth on Nov. 2.