By Rich Whittington
(Pasadena) The John Muir Mustangs played like Champions Saturday evening, corralling the visiting Salesian Mustangs, en route to a 21-0 victory, and a CIF Division 10 Title, in front of a large and vocal crowd at Muir’s Mustang Stadium.
Muir started the scoring early, 57 seconds into the game, when running back Jachai Pulley scored on a 54-yard touchdown run. The PAT was added by Julian Lopez, making the score 7-0, in the first minute of the game.
Muir’s second score of the evening came through the air. Quarterback Brandon Valencia connected with receiver Alexander Miller for a 62-yard score. Lopez added another PAT, making the score 14-0 as the first half came to a close.
John Muir’s third score came with 3:52 remaining in the third quarter. Jachai Pulley found the end zone for a 2-yard TD blast. A third Lopez PAT made the score 21-0. Pulley would finish the evening with 30 carries for 203 yards and two touchdowns.
Salesian was never able to establish any kind of rhythm. The Mustangs spent the entire evening playing from behind. and playing from deep in their own territory.
Muir finishes the season with a record of 8-6, 3-2 in Pacific League play, and as the CIF Division 10 Champions. Salesian finishes with a record of 10-4, 5-1 in the Camino Real league, and as the CIF Division 10 Runner-Up.
Muir under it’s new coach is different. More discipline, more defense, more focus. That makes them very scary for future opponents. Very nice job.