San Diego U-T Preps

Eastlake dominated Valhalla 38-7 Friday night behind its power running game and playmaking defense.

The host Titans (4-1) got off to a fast start when their defense forced turnovers on the Norsemen’s first two possessions.

Senior cornerback Jalyn Jackson picked off Valhalla quarterback Bryan Madriz, then Eastlake corner Dylan Kohler recovered the ball after Norseman running back Ty Schimke fumbled.

On offense, the Metro Mesa League’s Titans relied heavily on their dynamic ground game. Running back Parker Merrifield, the team’s second-leading rusher coming into the game, rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries

Speedy Rayshawn Parks-Price rushed for 82 yards and a pair of TDs on 10 carries, including a 2-yard score that gave Eastlake a 17-0 lead going into the half.

Eastlake junior quarterback Daniel Amon looked calm and confident putting the ball in the hands of his best offensive weapons. Amon got the Titans on the board with an easy 12-yard glide to the end zone to open the scoring.

“It was a complete victory,” Titans coach Dean Tropp said. “A lot of guys stepped up when they were called upon and got the job done.”

Valhalla (2-2) of the Grossmont Hills League struggled for most of the game to get anything going on offense. The Norsemen’s lone touchdown came late in the fourth quarter when quarterback Dennis Dahlin hit wide receiver Connor Buckley for a 29-yard score.

“We found out who wants to fight when the chips are down,” Valhalla head coach Charles Bussey said after the game. “I know who is and who isn’t going to keep fighting.”

Terrones is a freelance writer.

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