El Cap takes advantage for comeback victory
- Updated: September 3, 2023
2023 EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL
No. 19 EL CAPITAN 27, No. 16 LA JOLLA 24
LAKESIDE — The El Capitan Vaqueros rallied from an early three-touchdown deficit to defeat the visiting La Jolla Vikings, 28-24, on Friday.
La Jolla’s size and speed stood out as it dominated early but Viking quarterback Jackson Diehl was knocked from the game with a turned ankle after helping his team to an early 21-0 advantage.
Nineteenth-ranked El Capitan seized on the opportunity and had the might – and the time – to overcome the early handicap, taking a 27-24 win over the Vikings to improve to 3-0.
El Capitan (3-0) blocked a La Jolla punt in the fourth quarter.
Julian May scored the go-ahead touchdown to cap a short drive with a 5-yard run.
Brandt Barker had a touchdown run and a touchdown pass. He finished with 183 yards passing.
La Jolla sophomore Carson Diehl, the quarterback’s brother, had three interceptions.
May rushed for 105 yards.
El Capitan forced a pair of turnovers in the second half.
El Cap senior Chance LaChappa had a touchdown reception and 112 yards receiving on six catches. He also had a team-high seven solo tackles.
Vaquero senior Shune Hayes had six solo tackles for El Capitan.
Lukas Garcia, of El Cap, had an interception.