Redondo’s defense came up big in the Sea Hawk’s season opener Friday night shutting out visiting Rancho Verde’s offense in the second half enabling Redondo’s offense to pull out a 28-22 victory in overtime.
After Rancho Verdes scored its only points of the second half on a safety in the third quarter, Redondo found itself trailing 22-14. Things looked bleak for the Sea Hawks whose offense had struggled since halftime.
But midway in the fourth quarter with a first down on its own 3-yard line, Redondo’s offense began to click.
Jermar Jefferson’s 18-yard touchdown run completed a nine-play, 97-yard drive and when Zach Boesen hauled in a pass from quarterback Jack Alexander amid a group of players, the successful two-point conversion evened the score 22-22.
Redondo’s defense, which hard forced two fumbles and interceptions by Bobby Moore and Jordan Jackson, continued its dominance into overtime providing the Sea Hawks the opportunity they needed.
Julian Woodard grabbed a screen pass from Alexander and raced to the end zone for a 25-yard scoring play to seal the victory.
“It was the kind of exciting game that fans enjoy, but give coaches anxiety,” Redondo head coach Matt Ballard stated. “Although there were many mistakes and some first game jitters, our boys showed a lot of grit and heart, by fighting all night long, and never giving up on one another.”
Woodard was named Redondo’s Offensive Player of the Game after the junior finished the game with six receptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns. Alexander capped off his first varsity start completing 20 of 42 passes for 258 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
Rancho Verde took an early lead in the game when Tyler Kennedy returned the opening kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown.
Woodard’s 30-yard touchdown reception tied the score 7-7 and Alexander connected with Diego Balcarcel on a 34-yard touchdown pass to put Redondo ahead 14-7.
A 5-yard touchdown run by Marlon Moore and touchdown reception by Bryan Thompson gave Rancho Verde a 20-14 halftime lead.
Junior defensive back/running back Bobby Moore earned Defensive Player of the Game and Scout “Eager Beaver” Player of the Week honors for Redondo and junior wide receiver Alex Saak was named Special Teams Player of the Game.
“The win was what our inexperienced team needed to prove to themselves in the season opener, Ballard said. “We’ll need to keep the ‘never quit mentality’ as we navigate a very tough pre-season.”
Redondo is ranked No. 6 in the CIF-Southern Section Division 4 preseason poll and will play its next two games on the road against Vista Murrieta and San Pedro.
Vista Murrieta is ranked No. 6 in Division 1 and is coming off a 20-9 win against visiting Madison.
The Broncos rallied from a 9-6 deficit with eight minutes left in the game to win their season opener.
Vista Murrieta quarterback Karson Greeley (6-foot-5, 210 lbs.) returns after passing for 2,346 yards and 25 touchdowns with seven interceptions in 2015.
Also returning for the Broncos are their leading rusher Cole Dubots (799 yards, 4 touchdowns) and receiver Khalil Shakir (46 receptions, 914 yards, 10 touchdowns).
