Warhawks knock off another Hills team
- Updated: September 4, 2021
2021 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL
MADISON 34, No. 7 GRANITE HILLS 14
EastCountySports.com staff report
EL CAJON – The Granite Hills Eagles can’t afford to play a game-of-inches against a team like the Madison Warhawks.
Granite Hills, the county’s seventh-ranked team entering Friday’s game against respected Madison, was denied on a key fourth-down play, and the Eagles failed to connect on a few scoring chances in a 34-14 loss to the Warhawks.
The Warhawks were sure to be the higher-flying of these birds when the county media poll was released on Monday.
Madison (2-1) has back-back wins over Grossmont Hills League powers Steele Canyon and Granite.
The Warhawks may have won the battle of the big boys in the trenches. Both teams have studs across the front on both sides but Madison had a strong running game, particularly up the middle.
Granite Hills Nico Tomasello tries to get away from Madison. / Madison Warhawks
Meanwhile, Granite Hills put together some nice runs with Zak Darling, who had touchdown runs of 36 and 19 yards but Madison never trailed.
“It was a tough loss because we have the talent and team that should have and could have won that game but we just need to get better as a team and strive for greatness,” said Darling, who also added a 48-yard run in the contest. “I just want to thank the coaches for giving me the opportunity to carry the rock and show everyone what I’m capable of. I hope to continue to grow and help my team even more.”
The Warhawks literally jumped into the lead in the first quarter when Sean Webb jumped in front of a pass and ran an interception back 80 yards for a score.
Madison’s James Tivao had a pair of 7-yard touchdown runs, and one of three Warhawk interceptions.
Darling’s first touchdown came at the 6:54 mark of the second quarter to get the Eagles back to within a touchdown.
His second score – with 4:08 left in the third quarter – brought Granite Hills back again within one score at 20-14.
Rising junior star Tyson Bryant had 141 total yards for Madison. He scored a touchdown in the second half, as well.
Granite Hills (2-1) got a forced fumble from senior Carter Braun in the second half, which was recovered by junior teammate Derek Ibarra.
The Eagles face another tough home matchup this Friday against another quality opponent when the 2-1 Eastlake Titans come to Valley Stadium.
