GAME RECAP AND TOP PHOTOS: #25 San Clemente holds off #18 Chaparral in Offensive Shootout

by Noah Scherson

Shane Kiley and Colin Granite led San Clemente to defeat non-conference opponent Chaparral 35-34 in their second home game of the season.

The game was a shootout between both teams, exchanging leads throughout the contest. Neither team held more than a one-score lead. 

The Tritons started the game with a rushing touchdown by running back Colin Granite, which was quickly responded to by a diving second-effort receiving touchdown from Pumas running back Trevor Schnieder. 

Tight end Shane Kiley helped the Tritons take back the lead with his first receiving touchdown of the evening. It was a deep pass from quarterback Eiler King on a corner route from the slot position. Chaparral receiver, Eli Woodward, evened it out before half with a long catch in the middle of the endzone to bring it to 14-14 going into half.

Woodward would reach the endzone four times throughout the evening, while Granite and Kiley shared the endzone twice each.

Granite shared some excitement and appreciation after his performance.

“It felt great,” Granite said. “It was a great job by the O-line and great job by the fullback.”

Granite would start the second half with a short rush up the middle for a touchdown, giving the Tritons a 7-point lead, but Woodward would find the end zone for the second time this evening to even out the score at 21-21. 

The Tritons responded with a Kiley receiving touchdown to take back the lead, but Woodward would bring the Pumas back to even with San Clemente at 28-28. 

San Clemente wide receiver Jaxson Rex would score on an 18-yard reception with roughly three minutes left in the fourth quarter to take back the lead at 35-28. Chaparral had some late-game heroics from Woodward, catching a 38-yard sideline pass to tighten the score to 35-34 within two minutes left. 

The Pumas attempted a 2-point conversion but were penalized. Chaparral would choose to attempt the long PAT to tie the game back up, but it was short and no good.

After San Clemente attempted to run out the clock, they were forced to punt back to the Pumas. The Pumas would attempt a game-winning field goal in the twilight seconds of the fourth quarter, only for it to get blocked.

San Clemente held Chaparral off 35-34.

San Clemente head coach Jaime Ortiz spoke on how this challenge sets them up for the season

“It was two teams going toe-to-toe,” Ortiz said. “You play teams like Chaparral to get ready for league. It was a good test for both teams.”

San Clemente improves their record to 2-1, undefeated at home. They will face La Costa Canyon in their third home game in a row next Friday. Chaparral will travel to Rancho Cucamonga next Friday with a 0-2 record in their third away game of the season.