High school football roundup: Santa Rosa rolls over Petaluma to win War Club

Another brick was cemented on Friday night in the rebuilding of Santa Rosa's football program as the Panthers defeated the visiting Trojans 42-26 in a non-league game, winning the right to the War Club in the oldest rivalry in Sonoma County.

The victory for Santa Rosa (2-0) builds on its impressive 34-3 win at Analy last week and sets the Panthers up for a potential turnaround season. Last season Santa Rosa was 2-7 and lost its first two games, including a 49-12 drubbing at Petaluma.

It's a new season for the Panthers and the early results have been in stark contrast to 2017. Based on MaxPreps state rankings, the Panthers have scored two upset wins to start their season.

“We were playing really well at the end of last season so we had some momentum coming into this season,” Santa Rosa coach Russell Ponce said. “The kids practiced very hard in the offseason.”

Against the Trojans, Santa Rosa broke out to a 16-7 lead at the end of the first quarter and maintained a 24-18 edge at halftime after Panthers quarterback Trevor Anderson connected with Randy Clay, Jr. for a 44-yard scoring pass with 30 seconds to play in the second quarter.

“That was a big score because it gave us momentum,” Ponce said. “We were able to move the ball on the ground. When we got in trouble we were able to make some big-time passes and catches.”

Santa Rosa outscored Petaluma in the second half 18-8.

The Panthers' Jayvee Long had 252 yards on 22 carries and three scores (62, 29, and 25 yards). Emilio Campos chipped in 100 yards on 14 carries with one score on the ground and one receiving.

“Both Jayvee and Emilio had great nights. Our offensive line played great and so did Petaluma's,” Ponce said. “Petaluma is really good - we just had some game-changing plays tonight.”

The Panthers host Ukiah next week, a crucial test to see if they can keep the magic going in 2018.

MONTGOMERY 35, CASA GRANDE 7

The Vikings (1-1) played inspired defense to lead the way in their decisive victory over the Gauchos (0-2).

“Our defense just flies to the ball,” Montgomery coach Vertis Patton said. “We have a lot of good athletes on defense and they played good assignment football.”

Not only did the Montgomery defense stymie Casa Grande, but the Vikings played sound offensively and scored five touchdowns in a variety of ways.

Montgomery built a 14-0 lead in the first quarter on two long pass plays. Quarterback Cole Hallin connected with Devin Ramirez for a 60-yard score and with BJ Johnson for a 65-yard strike.

“Our plan was to come in and establish the run right off the bat, but Casa Grande brought their corners in to play man-to-man and their safeties were playing so close to the box we decided to go over the top,” Patton said. “Cole had a really good game compared to last week. He was really confident behind his offensive line.”

Montgomery added two more scores in the third quarter for a 28-0 before closing out the victory. The Vikings' Kham Perkins (150 yards rushing) scored on an 80-yard run and Jevon Heard ran in a 35-yard jaunt.

PINER 20, NOVATO 6

Playing under lights at home for the first time in school history, the Prospectors (1-1) defeated the Hornets (0-1) as Yonaton Isack scored twice via a 44-yard interception return and a 9-yard run. Isack also threw a 32-yard touchdown pass.

EL MOLINO 14, SONOMA VALLEY 7

The host Lions (1-1) scored the winning touchdown early in the fourth quarter on a 45-yard punt return by Sam Wilson-Mietz, who also had a 30-yard run for a score.

The Dragons (0-2) took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a 60-yard pass from Jake Baker to Andrew Beatty but couldn't score again. Two dropped passes at or near the end zone stopped potential Sonoma scoring drives.