BY JOEY MACIAS
Early struggles for the Shafter High school special teams proved to be the difference against Highland High School on Friday night.
The Scots (2-0) took advantage off three punting errors from the Generals’ (1-1) special teams that led to a 22-17 win.
The biggest deficit the Generals faced came in the third quarter after their third punting miscue. A snap that flew over the head of the Shafter punter gave the Scots prime field position as they took over at their own 5-yard line. On third and goal Highland junior Dizzy Brown scored on a 9-yard run to give them its biggest lead, 22-3.
“Dizzy fought there, he was a tough player for us,” said Highland head coach Michael Gutierrez.
Brown pulled up with what looked to be a cramping injury late in the game, but Gutierrez said that he will get rest and hopefully be ready next week. Brown finished the game with 3 rushes for 11 yards and one touchdown.
After the hot start for the Scots defense they could not get it going on the opposite side of the ball failing to convert on multiple trips in the red zone.
“We played very inconsistent,” said Gutierrez. “I think we had five trips in the red zone that we didn’t capitalize on. We put ourselves in a tough situation at the end of the game, but our guys did a great job of fighting and keeping their composure.”
Shafter’s first touchdown didn’t come until the fourth quarter when senior Nelson Hernandez busted through for a 25-yard touchdown run with 11:53 left in the game which cut the deficit to 22-10.
The Generals’ got back into the game on a 39-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Tyson Dozhier to junior Sebastian Mongomery. A converted PAT would increase the Scots' lead to 22-17.
A failed onside kick attempt by the Generals would lead to the Scots sealing the win with a couple of first-down conversions.
The biggest scoring play of the game came in the first quarter on a pass from junior AJ Cleveland as he completed a 55-yard strike to senior Jalen Hudgins that put the Scots up 14-0. Cleveland finished the game 13-of-24 passing for 141 yards and one touchdown.
“I know as a team we could’ve done way better,” said Highland senior Shabazz Muhammad. “That wasn’t our best game. (Shafter) was playing us good.”
Muhammad, who was coming off a five catch for 196-yard performance against Arvin last week, was quieted by the Shafter defense. Muhammad totaled just three catches for 22 yards.
Highland is scheduled to play undefeated Kennedy High School on Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
“I’m looking forward to a lot more big plays we need to have (against Kennedy),” said Highland junior AJ Cleveland. “Our line needs to be more consistent on both offense and defense.”
Shafter will try to get back on track against North High School and is scheduled to play on Sept 6 at 7:30 p.m.
