By Tim Peterson
(Covina) – Apple Valley ran for 322 yards and five touchdowns in a 35-6 rout of Charter Oak Friday night in the first round of the CIF Division 4 playoffs.
Apple Valley threw only six passes all night while using a ground attack that was unstoppable. Charter Oak knew the run was coming but had no answer for it.
The Sun Devils had five different players carry the rock. Ezra Hastings had 107 yards on 11 carries and quarterback Jacob Higgs ran for 69 yards and three touchdowns.
The Chargers tried to get back in it through the air and Corin Berry did throw for 188 yards but was hurt by two interceptions. Twice in the first half Charter Oak ventured into the red zone but both times were turned away. Down 21-0 late in the second quarter it looked like the Chargers could gain some momentum with a score heading into the half. But Berry was picked off in the endzone by Jordan Martinez-Ortega to end the threat.
The Sun Devils took the three-touchdown lead into the half, never relented and had a running clock in the fourth quarter.
Apple Valley got started in the first quarter. After a good punt return set them up at the Charter Oak 29, four plays later Higgs went in from a yard out for a 7-0 lead.
On the next possession Charter Oak blocked a punt and had a golden opportunity at the Apple Valley 22. But after a penalty pushed the Chargers back and they were stopped on fourth down.
Apple Valley then proceeded to march 85 yards on 12 plays. Talan Lively scored on a one-yard burst. The Sun Devils made it 21-0 with 2:27 left in the first half when Higgs got loose for a 35-yard score.
Berry was then picked to close out the half and it was a hole the Chargers couldn’t dig out of.
Apple Valley scored on its first two possessions of the third quarter to basically ice it. Jacob Cabrera scored on a 35-yard run and Higgs juked a defender and raced 22 yards for his third score of the night.
Charter Oak punted on its first two possessions of the third quarter and it was a wrap. The Chargers managed to avoid the shutout on the last play of the game when Berry hit Antonio Reasby on an 18-yard touchdown pass. Reasby had eight catches for 76 yards and Legend Lyons six for 62 but Charter Oak wasn’t able to cash in.
The Chargers finished the season 8-3 overall and will now make plans for next year. Apple Valley moves on to the second round in Division 4.
Well , I agree the sentiments of preceding posters . They have a lot of hype and got a CIF present getting placed in D8 after 2-8 season last year.
This years team has accomplished much more . Apple Valley was a tough matchup . CO is a bit “summer soft” in its personnel and scene. If you’re in D4 you’re a good team; much better than last years D8 finalist
karma. couldn’t have happened to a more deserving fraud.
I’m sure CO will boast about another championship run next summer… what with winning their own passing league tourny and boasting on twitter via a wannabe sports commentator and his respective top 10 lists. Reminds me of the Cowboys lol
Bonita exposed CO has having feet of clay. CO always recruits speed guys but they ignore line play. Chargers are a D7 D8 team. They are recruiting the same players Amat and Northview are and there are not that many D1 type players especially the bubbas willing to toil in The Covinas. They have big neighborhood boys but they need to be coached up to compete to win against quality teams. Giving up 350 yards rushing is ridik. CO not there yet.