Samuel Dalton is a journalism student at Arizona State's Cronkite School assigned to cover Westwood High School.

The powerful offense of Mountain View was able to take control of the game early as it scored a touchdown on the first seven possessions and was not stopped until its last with 40 seconds left in the fourth quarter. 

A first-half explosion gave the Toros a 42-0 lead going into the half. The offense scored on every drive in the half and the defense added on a 28-yard interception return for a touchdown by junior linebacker Riggs Metcalf. Three passing touchdowns from senior quarterback Jack Germaine and two rushing touchdowns from senior running back Isaac Jean-Pierre for the Toros summed up the scoring.

The second half went fast due to a running clock. The only score of the half was a 40-yard touchdown pass from Germaine to senior wide receiver Gunner Gornik to give the Toros a 49-0 lead. 

“I think they took this game a little bit more serious than we did,” Westwood senior quarterback Giordan Hanks said. “We need to prepare a little bit better for Friday nights.” 

The First Team All-Region quarterback had a rare off-night. The Toros defense was all over the place, making 64 total tackles and recording five QB hurries. 

Penalties were the biggest pain for the Warriors with nine for 70 yards all in the first half, including an illegal block in the back that took back a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. 

The Warriors were unable to make big plays at big moments. The offense struggled in the Toros’ territory. Westwood finished the game 1-for-4 on fourth down, which paired with two turnovers was a recipe for a shutout. 

“We as a team need to come together as a family,” senior defensive lineman Pedro Elack said. 

The linemen on both sides of the ball played a big factor in the outcome of the game.

The size of the Toros was hard for the Warriors to handle. Jean-Pierre finished with 109 yards and two touchdowns as he averaged 7.8 yards a carry.

Westwood position coach Connell Dickerson stayed back with some players to talk to them after the game. 

“Effort. Not giving up. If you want something hard enough, you’re going to work for it,” Dickerson on what his message to the team was. 

The Warriors look to bounce back next week as they visit the 3-2 Cesar Chavez Champions. The Toros will try to push the winning streak to three as they travel to face the Mesa Jackrabbits.