Point Loma’s 2 quarterbacks shine in runaway win over Eastlake

by Clark Fahrenthold

Point Loma’s plan of attack was obvious: Get the ball in their playmakers’ hands on the outside as early and often as they could.

Star wideout Romeo Carter scored three touchdowns and Point Loma rolled to a 49-0 nonleague victory over Eastlake on Friday night.

“We know a tough part of our schedule is coming, so for us, a win like this gives us the momentum we needed,” said Point Loma coach Ryan Price. “We were able to work out some kinks and get some confidence going into the back half of our schedule.

The Pointers’ offense set the tone on their opening drive.

On eight plays, Point Loma worked the ball methodically down the field. Senior Romeo Carter capped the drive with a two-yard rushing touchdown. Putting Point Loma up 6-0 with 7:54 to play in the first quarter.

On the ensuing Eastlake drive, the Pointers’ defense forced a quick three-and-out. On fourth-and-13, Leo Sahd turned in a big play on special teams with a blocked punt, handing the Point Loma offense an immediate red-zone opportunity.

It took Carter just one play to find the end zone once again. Hauling in a 13-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Henry Heuser, Cater extended Point Loma’s lead to 14-0 in less than six minutes.

“We had a great crowd, and we were all fired up coming into today,” Carter said. “We wanted to bring that energy early. This is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Following another three-and-out forced by the defense, Point Loma’s special teams unit turned in another highlight, as senior linebacker Ace Selchow blew through the Titans interior line for a second Pointers blocked punt.

The Point Loma defense and special teams unit wouldn’t allow Eastlake to cross midfield for the entirety of the first half. They allowed just one first-half first down.

“I was so happy for Ace to have a moment and a game like tonight. Blocked punts, tackles for loss, and making plays in the backfield. He did everything,” Price said. “He had been waiting for his opportunity. He and the defense showed out tonight.”

With an immediate goal-to-go situation after Selchow’s blocked punt, the offense stayed in rhythm. Heuser connected with Sahd on a seven-yard touchdown pass, extending Point Loma’s lead to 20-0.

Point Loma made a switch at quarterback after the third touchdown.

With junior Ryder Watson under center for the final 11 minutes of the first half, the Pointers didn’t miss a beat. On his first drive, Watson hit a wide-open Ryan Patterson for a 25-yard score. One drive later, Watson rolled to his left and hit Tanner Spradling on a crosser for a 14- yard touchdown pass. Emphatically putting Point Loma up 35-0 at the end of the first half.

Both Heuser and Watson threw for three touchdowns in the win.

“It’s a blessing having to guys like Henry and Ryder. They both compete and they both do it the right way,” Price said. “They both commanded the offensive and played well tonight. Super proud of them both.”