Zach Johnson’s resilient second half leads Hart football over West Ranch
VALENCIA – In one of the biggest games in West Ranch football history, Hart defeated the Wildcats 28-21 to give West Ranch its first loss of the season and keep Hart’s hopes at a share of the Foothill League title still alive.
“We knew it was going to be tough. According to CalPreps we were a 14-point underdog, but our guys stay focused and were ready to go,” Hart coach Mike Herrington said after the game.
Hart sealed its win with 57 second left in the game when Travis Gill picked off West Ranch quarterback Walker Eget.
Hart’s defense was the star. The Indians were able to snag two interceptions, including the one from Gill, and hold West Ranch running back Reiger Burgin to only 19 rushing yards.
“I thought the defense played well and we were able to limit them from sustaining drives,” Gill said.
Cal commit and Hart quarterback Zach Johnson struggled heavily in the first half with three interceptions, but he was able to bounce back in the second half and finished with 295 yards and two touchdowns on 22 of 34 passing. He didn’t throw any interceptions in the second half.
“As a quarterback you just have to have a short memory,” Johnson said. “And keep slinging it around and trying to make plays for my team.”
Ashton Thomas starred on both sides of the ball for Hart, collecting an interception and also had nine receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown on offense. Thomas’ touchdown came with 4:29 left in the third quarter to give Hart a 21-14 lead. Hart running back Taden Littleford ran 23 times for 95 yards and a touchdown.
Johnson’s other touchdown pass was to Drew Munoz in the first quarter. Munoz had two catches for 30 yards with the touchdown.
West Ranch scored all of its points through the air with every touchdown pass being 20 yards or more. Eget was 30 of 45 for 315 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Brandon Wyre had six catches for 123 yards and a touchdown for West Ranch. Jackson Reyes and Zachary Van Bennekum both scored a touchdown and each had an interception on defense.
“That’s why we play the game, somebody’s gotta lose and someone’s gotta come up short and tonight that was us,” West Ranch coach Chris Varner said.
Hart moves to 6-3 on the season and takes on Golden Valley next week. West Ranch falls to 8-1, but still has the hopes of clinching a share of the Foothill League title if they can defeat 10-time defending Foothill league champion Valencia next week.