By Max Clark
For The Signal
Castaic High School’s homecoming game turned into a lopsided affair Friday night, as Dominguez High School capitalized on special teams miscues and a dominant run game.
The Coyotes (0-4) struggled early, failing to field their first two kickoffs of the opening quarter. The early mistakes helped the Dons (3-1) take full control of the game, winning 45-0.
“We repped [the kickoff] in practice,” Castaic head coach Sirr Guy Shakir said. “The team we played last week did that, and we didn’t have a problem with it. We kind of lost our focus multiple times, unfortunately.”
The Dons opened the scoring with a 39-yard field goal by kicker Jose Martinez after a red zone drive stalled. Running back Darrell Frazier followed with a 7-yard touchdown run to put Dominguez up 10-0 late in the first quarter.
Dominguez quarterback Donnie Johnson III threw two interceptions — one to senior Grayson Gonzales and another to sophomore Logan Wissinger — but Castaic’s offense couldn’t capitalize. The Coyotes, led by first-year quarterback Aidan Mojica, managed just one first down in the first half. Three of Castaic’s four first-half drives began inside the Coyotes’ own 10-yard line.
With a small roster of just 30 players, some of whom were unavailable to suit up, the Coyotes continue to face growing pains.
“This season is about growth,” Shakir said. “I mean, we are starting freshmen, sophomores, and guys who have never played. For us, it’s just about not making the same mistakes we did the previous week.”
The Dons added two safeties in the second quarter — the first on a screen pass stopped in the end zone, the second on a botched snap. Running back Khaiyel Wisner added a 12-yard touchdown, and Johnson III closed the half with a 10-yard scoring run to make it 27-0.
Castaic’s offensive struggles are not limited to Friday night’s matchup. The Coyotes have not scored a point in their last 10 quarters.
“Once again, it’s about growth,” Shakir said. “We have a young quarterback who is new to the position, and those are some of the growing pains that come with it.”
To start the second half, the Coyotes again mishandled the kickoff return, giving the Dons excellent field position. Castaic’s defense held strong with a goal-line stand, forcing a Dominguez field goal that extended the lead to 30-0.
On the Coyotes’ first drive of the half, Mojica connected with receiver Isaiah Galvan for a 30-yard gain. Running back Justin Priestley followed with a 17-yard run up the middle. But just as the offense began to find rhythm, Mojica fumbled on an option play, and Dominguez recovered.
After a few stalled drives, the Dons methodically pushed downfield, eating up the clock. Johnson III connected with Kahmi Williams for a touchdown and added a successful 2-point conversion to extend the lead to 38-0.
With under a minute remaining, Castaic punted, signaling the white flag, but Frazier returned the kick 55 yards for a final touchdown, sealing the 45-0 blowout.
Castaic has a bye week next week and begins league play with a home game against Canyon High School on Sept. 26.
