Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Green Valley figures out rushing game against Foothill

high school football media day 2015

Christopher DeVargas

Green Valley High football players Austin Warhop, Brayon Williams, David Berg, and David Vazquez before the 2015 Season.

In every level of football, it’s extremely important to make sure your team is reaching its peak performance at the right time of the year.

It’s safe to say Green Valley has the formula, as the Gators manhandled Foothill 49-26 Friday night for the team’s third straight win to wrap up the regular season.

While the Gators’ potent passing attack has clicked on all cylinders for most of the year, they have struggled on the ground. After rushing for 232 yards and five touchdowns on Friday, that part of the Gators' offense looks to be shored up as well.

“If you can run the football consistently and force people to cover the entire field, it gives you the opportunity to throw the ball and keep people honest that way,” Green Valley coach Brian Castro said. “It allows us to eat up the clock when we need it, so it’s an important part of the game, especially this time of year.”

Kawika Jones led the way on the ground for Green Valley with 17 carries for 108 yards and a touchdown.

“Kawika did a great job,” Castro said. “He started the year as a receiver for us, but he has worked hard at learning running back and he has good speed. He is picking it up and showing improvement each week.”

A.J. Amelburu completed 17-of-25 for 172 yards and a touchdown, and added 72 yards and two more scores on the ground.

Junior C.J. Araujo only had four carries, but made the most of them for 12 yards and two touchdowns.

The win earns the Gators a second-place finish in the Southeast League and the right to host Las Vegas High in the first round of the playoffs next Friday.

“It’s great that we have an opportunity to play at home next week,” Castro said. “We talked to our guys all week about playing for each other and playing as a team, and we came out here and did that.”

Jesse Granger can be reached at 702-259-8814 or [email protected]. Follow Jesse on Twitter at twitter.com/JesseGranger_.

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