Four different players scored rushing touchdowns as host Palo Alto had no trouble with Los Altos Friday night, winning 44-7 in an SCVAL-De Anza Division matchup. With the win, the Vikings (3-6, 3-2 SCVAL-DA) clinched a CCS playoff berth while Los Altos (2-7, 0-5) remained winless in league play.
Sophomore Junacio Henley led the potent Paly rushing attack with 60 yards and a score on his only attempt of the night. Junior Aiden Chang and seniors Paul Jackson III and Manny Soto also tallied rushing touchdowns for the Vikings, who clinched at least a tie for fourth place in the SCVAL-DA. The top four finishers receive automatic bids to the playoffs and Palo Alto has already defeated Homestead, the only team that can catch the Vikings.
Nine different Paly players carried the ball in the win, as the Vikings racked up 284 rushing yards and nearly 400 yards of offense despite running just 41 offensive plays. Damion Richard-Valencia, Dwayne Trahan, and David Hickey all had interceptions defensively, while Seattle Hmelar blocked a punt in the win. Hickey returned his interception for a touchdown. Bryant Jefferson also had a big night defensively, with six tackles, two tackles for a loss, and a sack.
Both teams wrap up the regular season Friday night, with Palo Alto visiting Wilcox (6-3, 4-1) and Los Altos hosting Saratoga (0-9, 0-5).
