Jimenez Punches Pirates

James Jimenez passed for three touchdowns and rushed for two more to lead Northview. (Photo by Duane Barker.)

By Alex Gonzalez

Covina — James Jimenez accounted for five touchdowns, three passing with two rushing in Northview’s 43-7 win over Santa Ynez in the first round of the CIF Division 7 playoffs Friday night at Covina District Field. 

“James has been nails all year. He’s calm, he’s collected and he knows he has weapons,” said HC Marcel Perez. “He takes his time and makes the right reads and we got some guys that can get open.” 

Scoring in bunches, the Vikings made it look easy to light up the scoreboard. To start the game, Northview scored just two minutes into the game when Jimenez hooked up with Martin Gutierez who outran his defender for the 49-yard score. 

On their next possession, Jimenez took matters into his own hands by keeping the quarterback option and darted for the score. After the missed PAT Northview led early 13-0 before the first quarter ended. 

The second quarter played out just like the first. After a long punt return punt by the Vikings, Jimenez capped a two-play drive with his second rushing score of the game. 

Santa Ynez tried to pull a fast one on Northview by going for a fake punt on fourth and long but it was stonewalled before it even began. 

Following a failed fake punt by the Pirates, Jimenez and Co. marched down the field which ended with another Viking touchdown when Jimenez found Jamir Johnson who crossed the end zone putting the score at 26-0 just before the first half ended.

Northview took their foot off the pedal scoring wise but the offense still put together back to back scoring drives to start the second half. 

“It feels great. We came out and got a great team win,” said Jimenez after the game. “It’s a great statement win because we’re showing everyone we came to win.” 

David Barela recorded his only rushing score of the night to start the third frame. On their next possession, Deshon Thompson secured his receiving touchdown with one hand to add six more points to the 33-0 lead midway through the third quarter. 

With running clock to start the fourth, the Vikings backups managed to add three more before the final buzzer. 

With the win, Northview advances to the second round of the playoffs where the Vikes will face Warren.  

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