La Jolla beats LJCD behind Carson Diehl’s effort in local rivalry game

by Clark Fahrenthold

LA JOLLA — On Friday night, La Jolla High School was once again without the services of standout quarterback Hudson Smith.

With Smith on the sideline for a second straight start, star wideout Carson Diehl once again stepped up in a big way for the Vikings. As the senior’s pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns helpedlead the way in La Jolla’s impressive 31-10 victory over La Jolla Country Day.

“It’s a gritty bunch,” said La Jolla coach Tyler Roach, “When you’re without your gunslinger, you have to hope your defense rallies and steps up. Late in the game we were able to wear them down enough on offense up front and create some big runs. I think the guys showed real resolve tonight.”

After an ugly first quarter of action that saw the Torrey’s and Vikings combine for nine penalties, La Jolla Country Day finally broke through with the game’s opening score. With 7:31 to play in the half, Jett Astephen connected with Marvin Jones III for a 19-yard touchdown, handing the Torreys an early 7- 0 advantage.

La Jolla quickly countered with a score of its own. Having collected only three first downs on their first three possessions, the Vikings received a much-needed spark from running back Charlie Martin. With 4:55 to play in the half, the senior took a second-and-nine hand-off 44 yards for a touchdown, knotting things up at 7-7.

“It was a frustrating half of football. I think I lost a couple years of my life after that half,” Roach said.

Following a stagnant third quarter, La Jolla’s offense put the game in the hands of Diehl. With the game tied at 10-10 with 7:12 to play, La Jolla managed to march the ball inside LJCD’s 20-yard line after six consecutive running plays.

To finish off the drive, the Vikings called three straight direct snaps to Diehl. On the third, and final rush, he’d punch it in from two yards out to give La Jolla a 17-10 lead with 7:15 to play.

“What can I say about Carson. He is just such a talented kid,” said Roach, “He’s a stud, a great leader, teammate, and is willing to do whatever it takes to have the team be successful. He impacts thegame in all three phases.”

After yet another turnover on downs forced by the Vikings’ defense, Diehl and the offense returned to the field to deliver a knock-out blow.

On a first-and-10 from their own 38-yard line, QB Ty Tortorice floated a go-ball down the right sideline. The six-foot-three wideout hauled in the pass, broke a tackle, and galloped to the end zone for a 62-yard touchdown pass.

“We were just kind of waiting for that moment,” said Diehl, “They were kind of playing the safety over the top the whole game. I started the play at quarterback, but they moved me out to receiver at the last second and they were late to rotate. Ty threw me a great ball and just gave me a chance to make a play.”