Shadow Ridge slotback Jon Wilson (32) runs the ball during a game against Coronado at Shadow Ridge High School Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.
Friday, Nov. 11, 2022 | 10:41 p.m.
Jon Wilson returned the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown tonight for the Shadow Ridge High football team against Las Vegas in the 4A state semifinals.
It was the first of many long touchdowns for the Mustangs in a 71-35 victory.
Shadow Ridge only led 35-28 at halftime as the teams went back and forth, but Tanner McDonald had an interception return for a touchdown early in the third quarter to open the flood gates and help the Mustangs return to the state championship game.
They’ll face a familiar opponent — Silverado. Silverado beat Shadow Ridge in last year’s championship game.
“I knew they were talented. I knew there skilled guys were really good,” Shadow Ridge coach Travis Foster said of Silverado. “I underestimated how good they were up front and on defense. They do a really good job. We have a lot of respect for them.”
Senior JaQuieze Holland, who is the Shadow Ridge program’s all-time leader in rushing, had arguably his finest career game against Las Vegas in rushing for 246 yards and five touchdowns on 19 carries. Coen Coloma had 12 carries for 143 yards and two touchdowns, and Wilson contributed a rushing score and 82 yards.
Shadow Ridge gained 500 rushing yards. The defense had four sacks in the second half.
The end result is the one game everyone in the program wants: A chance at redemption.
“As a coach, you try to keep the kids focused on one week at a time,” Foster said. “But everyone is scoreboard watching to see what Silverado did and trying to match them win for win hoping the stars align at the end of the year and we can play them again.”
