MILPITAS - After allowing a combined 79 points in its first two games, the Milpitas defense rose to the occasion in the Trojans' home opener on Friday night, blanking visiting Castlemont for a dominant 35-0 victory.
Senior Aneterea Lealao led the way with three sacks, as the Trojans' pass rush resulted in eight sacks during the night. The Milpitas unit also forced three turnovers, including an interception from standout defensive back Isaiah Dwelle. Strong safety Raiden Michailoff added 10 tackles in an impressive performance.
The Trojans (1-2) jumped out to a 14-0 lead after one quarter, as the running game finally got untracked as well. Lealao carried the ball 11 times for 67 yards and two scores during the game, while quarterback Jovin Becerra threw for 105 yards and two touchdowns, both of them to senior Jenson Quiro, who had three catches for 65 yards, including a 40-yard score.
Curtis Price added four catches for 40 yards, to go with a fumble recovery on defense, while senior Jaylen Lyons had 33 yards and a touchdown on the ground. On the drives when the offense did stall, senior punter Nate Miskella was a weapon in the field position battle, averaging 42 yards per punt on four punts, including a 53-yarder.
"It was our first home game, and the kids played hard," commented Milpitas coach Kelly King. "It was a good overall team win."
Milpitas will head to Salinas on Friday, while Castlemont (0-3) seeks its first win on the road Friday, playing at Argonaut-Jackson.
