Hart High football appears to have officially shaken off a shaky start to the Foothill League season.
The Indians trounced West Ranch, 45-7, Friday night at College of the Canyons, winning convincingly for the first time in league and quieting, at least for the moment, the Foothill’s biggest surprise team.
“We wanted to come out and do the things I know this team can do,” said Hart coach Mike Herrington, whose team is 6-2 overall and 2-1 in league. “Our defense did a good job against West Ranch’s rushing attack.”
Hart quarterback Nick Moore, who went 15-of-25 and had three passing touchdowns, saved Hart’s second series with a 46-yard completion to Grant Thuente on third-and-6.
One play later, Moore punched the ball in on a 10-yard rushing touchdown, his first of two running scores in the game.
Running back Chase Garcia and Moore’s chemistry was apparent all night as the tandem teamed up for five completions and a 25-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter that made the score 14-0.
Hart’s defense was tasked with stopping West Ranch running back Jake Rice, who had 710 rushing yards and seven touchdowns coming into the game.
C.J. McMullen and the Indians kept Rice under 50 yards and out of the end zone, allowing only a Wyatt Eget 7-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Camacho that brought the score to 31-7 in the third quarter.
Moore’s night ended in the fourth quarter with Hart up 38-7 on West Ranch (4-4, 1-2). J.T. Shrout came in under center and made the most of his opportunity, first rushing for 52 yards on third down before capping off the drive two plays later on a 15-yard touchdown run.
The Wildcats travel to Valencia High School next Friday to take on the Vikings, who are currently in first-place in league at 3-0.
Hart will look to win its third Foothill League game in a row when it faces the Golden Valley Grizzlies next Friday at Canyon High School.
