HUNTINGTON BEACH – The first play of Brethren Christian’s 51-0 win over Sherman Indian was an early indicator of how the evening would go for the Warriors.
Brent Nash scooped up the opening kick on the left hash mark, avoided a few tackles and raced up the sideline behind a host of blockers for an 88-yard kickoff-return touchdown.
During Brethren Christian’s first-round East Valley division playoff game Friday night at Ocean View High, six players scored touchdowns for the Warriors (10-1) as they rolled to a lopsided victory.
That play set the tone for the Warriors as their big-play ability was on continuous display. They picked up huge gains against the Braves (2-8) en route to a 41-point first-quarter lead.
The Warriors ran a total of eight plays from scrimmage in the opening half and scored on five of those. Jordan Leonard ran for 89 yards on two carries, scoring TDs on both runs.
The Warriors defense gave up 122 yards and picked off Braves QB Malachi Chase four times with Nathan Sagastume taking the first interception back 39 yards for a score and a 20-0 lead.
Jason Fuga caught two passes for 53 yards, including a 41-yard TD that made it 27-0.
Sherman Indian (2-8) started the season dropping their first seven games before rallying to win their final two contests to earn a playoff berth.
But they were no match for Brethren Christian on this night as the game went to a running clock just minutes into the second quarter with the Warriors choosing to rest their starters for next week’s contest against Rancho Christian.
