After change, Braves win for ‘Coach P’
- Updated: September 9, 2017
El Cajon Valley carries against Clairemont on Friday night. / photo ECVBraves.com
2017 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL
EL CAJON VALLEY 32, CLAIREMONT 21
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON – The El Cajon Valley Braves were emotional Friday night after their first victory of the season, a 32-21 home upset over the unbeaten Clairemont Chieftains.
The Braves’ heart-and-soul coach had reached his end with the program earlier in the week, forcing El Cajon Valley vice principal NICK WILLIAMS to take over on short notice for the time being.
The El Cajon Valley players responded by rushing through the Clairemont defense behind a terrific tandem of backs – MAQUEL GARNER and DARREL DAVIS.
Davis had a 36-yard touchdown with 2:10 left in the first quarter and a 61-yard run for a score as El Cajon Valley took a 12-7 lead with 8:14 left in the second quarter.
The Braves defense continued its stellar play throughout the first half against Clairemont, even forcing and recovering a fumble with :18 left before halftime.
Early in the third quarter, Garner broke through the Clairemont defense and then bounced off Chieftains like a pinball to score on a 62-yard touchdown run.
Clairemont was able to stay in the game with a touchdown pass in the third quarter, then got another big chance following a fumble recovery.
The Chieftains converted with another touchdown pass to their big tight end to close El Cajon Valley’s lead to 26-21.
However, Davis broke a run off the right side and scored from 40 yards out, putting his terrific speed on display in the second half.
“We did it for coach P (PARRIS PISIONA),” Davis said. “We came out here and fought. I don’t want to be on any other team but this one.”
The Braves’ offensive front had a fun time shoving around the Chieftains defensive unit.
Junior ANGEL SHIPLEY, sophomore FREDIRICK HENDERSON, junior MASON TILEIA and senior MICHAEL MALONE were out in front of both backs most of the night.
The Braves host the Crawford Colts next Friday night.
