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The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

The Student News Site of Palo Alto High School

The Paly Voice

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JV Vikings continue winning

The Vikings started off league play strongly with a win, 20-0, over Homestead’s Mustangs last Thursday at Paly.

The young but strong offensive line opened gaping holes for its running game as the Vikings pounded the Mustangs to the ground in their victory.

On their first play from scrimmage, sophomore running back Roger Villanueva broke a 10-yard run over the left side, setting the tone for the Viking’s strong running back. After two plays, in which sophomore running back Roger Prince earned a tough couple of yards, Villanueva wove through a big hole up the middle, gaining 25 yards and a first down. He took the next handoff 15 yards, maintaining momentum in the Viking’s direction. Two plays later sophomore quarterback John Keopfogen hit sophomore tight end Nick Rosas for a 15-yard strike.

The Mustangs’ first drive did not begin as well as the Viking’s, as they fumbled the first snap and were called for offside. Homestead got things rolling when missed tackles led to a 20 yard run. An incomplete pass on 3rd down led to a great punt that resulted in a touchback, giving the Vikings the ball at the 20 yardline.

The Vikings ran a reverse to freshman Evan Warner for a 12-yard first down. Keopfogen then threw a screen pass to Warner who, alluding tackles, broke a 20-yard run. Villanueva was stuffed on a sweep to the outside, followed by an incomplete pass that made the Vikings punt.

The two teams went into half with the Vikings up 7-0.

In the third quarter, Villanueva scored on a ten-yard pitch after an impressive and determined drive, highlighted by a reception by Rosas.

In the fourth quarter, the win was still tentative until the Vikings exchanged interceptions with the Mustangs, giving the ball back to the Vikings.

On the ensuing drive, Prince put the game away, scoring on a running back dive up the middle.

The Vikings showed they would be contenders in league play this year with their impressive win. "Our defense played better than ever this week, so that is a definite plus," Villanueva said.

But all aspects of their game will have to continue to improve as they head into the toughest part of their schedule.

They travel to Milpitas to face the Trojans Friday at 3:15.

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