ROUNDUP: RedHawks, Knights defeated
- Updated: October 23, 2021
2021 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL
EastCountySports.com staff report
HOLTVILLE 7, MOUNTAIN EMPIRE 3
HOLTVILLE — Holtville scored the only touchdown of the game with 10 minutes left in knocking off visiting Mountain Empire, 7-3, in a Desert League contest on Friday night.
It was another close finish – the second this season – between the two rivals. The Vikings won a non-league game, 22-14, in Pine Valley in Week 2, scoring in the final minute to win.
Down 3-0 on Friday, Holtville was driving late in the third quarter but fumbled the ball, which was recovered by the RedHawks at their own 7-yard line.
However, the Vikings were able to put a hit on the quarterback resulting in a turnover, putting Holtville in business right back at the RedHawk 5.
Holtville, which was celebrating Homecoming, cashed in a couple of plays later for the decisive score.
The RedHawks limited Holtville to 139 yards of total offense.
Mountain Empire (4-5, 1-2 Desert) dominated the clock in the first half but had a pair of turnovers to come up empty.
Finally, the RedHawks were able to cash in on a field goal on their third drive by Daniel Obed, who booted a 30-yarder with 23 seconds left in the first half.
After gaining 184 yards in the first two quarters, Mountain Empire led by just the three points at halftime.
“We played them tough,” Mountain Empire head coach Ricky Prince said. “It was a good matchup. I was really proud of our defense, they battled hard all night. We were tough in the trenches.”
Palo Verde Valley (6-2, 3-0 Desert) will face the RedHawks this Friday at Central High. MEHS is tied for fourth place in the Desert League.
Foothills Christian (3-5, 2-2) trailed 28-0 at halftime.
Knights freshman running back Kameron Brown scored a rushing touchdown in the third quarter.
Brown also had a team-high four solo tackles.
Escondido Charter led 35-6 after three quarters.
Trey Clark had 157 yards on five punt returns for the Knights.
