Norse knock down Wolves on road trip

By Ramon Scott
Updated: August 23, 2025

EAST COUNTY PREP FOOTBALL

VALHALLA 51, SAN JACINTO VALLEY ACADEMY 27

EastCountySports.com

SAN JACINTO — The Valhalla Norsemen didn’t just hit the road for their season opener Friday — they made a 125-mile trip to face San Jacinto Valley Academy. The night before, the players even knocked down pins together during a team-bonding bowling session. Less than 24 hours later, they knocked down the Wolves in a 51-27 victory in the season opener.

Senior quarterback Jackson Newman was the driving force. He ran for 118 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries while also completing 5-of-13 passes for 70 yards and two more scores. His dual-threat production set the tone for a Norsemen offense that rolled up points in bunches.

Sophomore Ahmed Husaini complemented Newman with 56 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns on 14 carries, giving Valhalla a second ground option to wear down the Wolves.

Through the air, Newman found Jaime Pimentel for a 49-yard touchdown and Paul Sako for a 22-yard score. Pimentel also flashed his versatility with four carries for 57 yards.

Defensively, the Norsemen came up with steady pressure and sure tackling. Brody Shartel posted seven tackles and a sack, while Adrian Rojo-Hernandez added five stops and a sack of his own. Giacomo Lupo also chipped in with five tackles as Valhalla worked to contain SJVA’s offense.

By the time the evening was over, the Norsemen had a win on the board and the confidence of a squad that looks even sharper than last year’s improved edition, as Valhalla has gone from 1, to 3, to 4 wins in the first three seasons under head coach Wayne Cherry.

Valhalla showed they can respond well to challenges away from home — a key trait for a team with aspirations of climbing in the Grossmont Valley League this fall.