FONTANA – Summit High’s offensive line, which averages 265 pounds per man, is a group of boys who don’t miss many meals.
That hearty O-line, bolstered by a hard-hitting defense and opportunistic special teams, spurred the Summit football team to a 38-0 victory against Grand Terrace on Friday night at A.B. Miller High.
It was the Sunkist League opener for both teams.
“At about halftime or maybe the third quarter, it really just felt like we were playing on a different level than our opponent,” said Summit offensive lineman Chase Abdul-Wahab (6-4, 280). “This gives us a lot of confidence. We played our (rears) off. It felt good.”
Abdul-Wahab and his O-line mates Israel Arambula (6-1, 210), Perseus Soto (5-10, 210), Ivan Arzaluz (6-3, 305), and Donovan Amerson (6-1, 322) had their way against the Titans on Summit’s homecoming night.
“We’re a very close-knit unit on the field and we hang out with each other on and off the field,” Abdul-Wahab said. “We are just really trying to grow our bond.”
The SkyHawk O-linemen, when they aren’t pancaking defenders, like to go to the Chili’s Restaurant near Summit High and order the “Triple-dipper.”
Said Abdul-Wahab, “You can get three entrees in one, for like 18 bucks. We like food.”
Summit (5-2) scored with 33 seconds left in the first quarter on Maximus McCarthy’s 4-yard run. The SkyHawks led 8-0 after Jayden Dunn ran for a 2-point conversion.
Summit, led by linebacker Evan Ramos, didn’t allow the Titans a first down on its next possession. Then Shea Garner made Grand Terrace pay with a 53-yard punt return for a touchdown to make it 15-0.
Ramos paced the SkyHawks’ defense and special teams with his hard hitting and two blocked kicks.
“The key for us was to play very physical and to come out here and play hard,” Ramos said. “We dominated on defense and didn’t let them score at all. We set the tone from the start.”
Nickolas Miramontes intercepted a pass with 4:58 left in the first half, setting up Daniel Amoako’s eventual 37-yard field goal.
Summit led 18-0 at the half.
The SkyHawks put the game away early in the third quarter with a five-play, 59-yard scoring drive. Francisco Hernandez completed three passes on the march, culminated by his 20-yard scoring toss to Dominic Andujo to make it 25-0.
Grand Terrace (4-4) was hindered by the loss of running back Samajay Green, who was injured on the Titans’ first series. A few other Titans left the field after injuries, as well.
“They’re a really good football team,” Grand Terrace coach Ryan Taylor said. “They run the ball really well and they’re very physical up front. They’re really well-coached.”
Taylor agreed the injuries did not help.
“It was tough – we have a sophomore running back (Green) who is the life of our offense,” Taylor said. “And he goes down on the first drive and that made things really hard. And we lost a couple of guys on defense. But I’m proud of how we played.”
Summit added a 38-yard TD pass from Hernandez to Miramontes to make it 32-0 with six minutes left in the third quarter.
Freddie Hueneberg wrapped up the scoring for Summit by returning a blocked punt 5 yards for a touchdown with two minutes left in the third quarter.
Summit coach Nick Matheny was mostly pleased.
“I’m a little irked at how many penalties we had, but I’m happy with the performance,” Matheny said. “We put a lot of work into special teams and it’s nice when it shows. And it was nice to have Maximus (McCarthy) back tonight – he hadn’t played since the first week. We’re getting close to being healthier.”
