Sam Shelby caught nine passes for 205 yards and a touchdown to help Piedmont High School’s football team to a 35-0 win over Mt. Eden on Sept. 13 at Witter Field.
The Highlanders are now 2-1 on the season and host Encinal on Sept. 20.
Markos Lagios threw for 212 yards (11 of 18) and two touchdowns in the win. Nine of his 11 completions went to Shelby.
The lopsided score led to the fourth quarter being played with a running clock, per National Federation of High School rules.
“I think what went right is we got ourselves right in the middle of the second quarter,” Piedmont coach Jordan Seiden said. “We got off to a slow start. Not running well, not tackling well. We started making plays in the second quarter.
“They were controlling the clock and we let them do that.”
The Highlanders defense forced a three-and-out to open the game. Then, Lagios connected with Shelby for a 40-yard pass to the Monarchs 31. But on the next play, Lagios lost control of the ball on a handoff and Kody Nguyen recovered the ball for Mt. Eden.
The Monarchs (0-3) then went on a long drive, making it to the Piedmont 22. But the Highlander defense stiffened and forced a turnover on downs.
Piedmont finally got going after forcing a Mt. Eden punt from the 18 near the midpoint of the second quarter. Giancarlo Peralta’s kick went just 14 yards and the Highlanders took over at the 32. Lagios cashed in the break by scoring on a 4-yard run and it was 7-0.
From that point on, Piedmont controlled the game. Tommy Ashton scored on a 6-yard run later in the quarter and it was 14-0 at halftime.
The Highlanders got the ball first in the second half and marched down for another touchdown, this time a 1-yard pass from Lagios to Xavier Henderson. After another three-and-out, Lagios and Shelby struck for a 76-yard touchdown pass. Later, Lagios ran in another touchdown, this time from four yards out.
“The third quarter, we came out and scored three quick touchdowns,” Seiden said. “Started playing Highlander football the way we’re supposed to play. Making blocks downfield, tackling better, not shooting ourselves in the foot.
“Got a chance to get some of the backups, some of the younger players some playing time which was nice.”
Henderson continued to lead the defense with six solo and three assisted tackles including 1 ½ tackles for loss. On the season, Henderson has 17 solo and 26 total tackles to lead the team. Ashton led Piedmont with 61 yards rushing on 11 carries. Lagios now has six rushing and four passing touchdowns.
The Highlanders defense held the Monarchs to 98 yards of offense on 38 plays.
“I think the biggest thing we know is our seniors played for their coaching staff as freshmen so they know them really well,” Seiden said. “We played them last year. It’s going to be an emotional game. Hopefully we’re able to fight through the emotion and focus on what we need to do.”