Chaminade defeats Valencia with a second half shutout, 42-15

The Valencia Vikings traveled to West Hills on Sept. 9 to take on the Chaminade Eagles in another non-conference matchup. Valencia scored first with a 37-yard field goal but Chaminade quickly took the lead with a 27-yard touchdown run from running back T.J. Pledger.

Valencia scored two more touchdowns before the half but were unable to convert the PAT’s. The Eagles walked into halftime down, 15-14.

Chaminade ran out a brand new team and completely dominated after that. Valencia did not score one more point for the rest of the game while Chaminade continued to pile on the touchdowns for a 42-15 win over Valencia.

Chaminade’s running backs, Pledger and Andrew Van Buren, once again did not disappoint combining for 33 carries, 246 yards, and four touchdowns.

Junior Van Buren played offense and defense, and continued to make plays on both sides of the ball.

“It was good playing offense and defense, getting a lot of exposure and helping the team out anyway I can,” said Van Buren. “It feels good, just starting off the season strong. I can’t wait till we get to league and prove ourselves,” Van Buren added.

Chaminade feels great coming off of two wins in a row and they are hungry for more.

“Coming off of two wins, hopefully we keep the win streak, and get going in league,” said Van Buren.

The offensive line really kicked in and started to dominate, giving great protection for quarterbacks Brevin White and Ryan Stevens coming out of halftime.

“At the beginning of the game we made a lot of mental mistakes but at halftime we saw what we did wrong and came out and did what we had to do,” junior offensive guard Dylan Kellogg said. “We don’t have any room for mistakes, so we have to understand what we have to do. Making calls on the offensive line is imperative and that’s what we did when we came out for the second half.”

The defense played an outstanding second half completely shutting out Valencia’s offense. Junior free safety Steve McIntosh made an incredible defensive play when the Vikings were on the Eagles’ one yard line. McIntosh forced a fumble and began to run with it but was soon taken down.

“When they made it down to the goal line, in my mind I said they are not about to get another touchdown so I have to try my best to not let that happen,” said McIntosh.

The Eagles travel to Bakersfield on Sept. 15 to take on the Drillers in the final non-conference game at 7 p.m. before league play starts.

–Mason Larson

Photos by Peter Yu