Shadow Ridge routs Valley, turns focus to Bishop Gorman

By Tristan Aird

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014 | 11:59 p.m.

Matt Howitz accounted for two touchdowns passing and two rushing Saturday to lead Shadow Ridge to a 45-20 road win over Valley.

Howitz completed 4 of 6 passes for 119 yards, hooking up for touchdowns with Dexter Kie (one catch, 69 yards) and Michael Payton (two receptions, 37 yards). Howitz also rushed for 61 yards and the two scores on only four carries.

“He played really well,” Shadow Ridge coach Frank Tousa said. “He made some good reads, had a couple good runs. He got us going.

“It was a good win, but we could have played better.”

Kie added a 75-yard kickoff return for a score for the Mustangs (2-2).

Also for Shadow Ridge, Chris McDearmon ran seven times for 44 yards and a touchdown.

Valley dropped to 0-4.

Now comes as daunting a challenge as can be for Shadow Ridge: a date next week at Bishop Gorman. The Gaels are expected to top several national polls thanks to Friday’s 34-31 home win over previously top-ranked St. John Bosco (Calif.).

“It’s a good opportunity to play possibly the best team in the country,” Tousa said of Gorman. “It’s a chance to get some kids a good look on film.”

Tristan Aird can be reached at 702-259-8829 or [email protected]. Follow Tristan on Twitter at twitter.com/tristanaird.