MONTEREY PARK >> Coming into Friday’s season opener, the Schurr High football team figured it would face an uphill battle against a physical California team that loves to run the football. But when coach Dave Ramos got news that transfer quarterback Christian Valenzuela from Cantwell-Sacred Heart was not clear to suit up for the Spartans, that hill got steeper.
While not having Valenzuela didn’t help the Spartans’ cause, there’s no question they already their hands full stopping the Condors’ rushing attack.
Behind running back Kevin Romero’s four touchdowns, visiting California cruised to a 63-35 victory over Schurr in a nonleague game for both teams.
Romero torched Schurr’s rushing defense, running for three touchdowns and 147 yards in the first half alone. He added 47-yards on a two-play drive in the second half, which was capped off by his 28-yard score with 1:09 remaining in the third.
Romero’s score ultimately staved off a comeback attempt by the Spartans. Schurr, who trailed 49-21 at halftime, got within 14 points thanks to a pair of quick scores in the second half.
Sophomore quarterback Nathaniel Palacios, who got the start behind center for the Spartans, struggled early against the Condors’ defense but made the proper adjustments in the second half. The sophomore threw a pair of touchdowns, both to senior receiver Jeremiah Hartfield, and rushed for one.
Hartfield, who scored three touchdowns, hit pay dirt on an 80-yard kickoff return and recorded 133 receiving yards. However, that wasn’t enough to get the Spartans over the hump.
Cal Hi struck first when senior quarterback Sebastian Pimentel hit receiver Luis Martinez for a 68-yard touchdown pass, giving the Condors an early lead. On the ensuing kickoff, Cal Hi’s Allan Macedonio scored on a fumble return, extending the Condors lead to 14-0. Miscues were essentially the story of the first half for Schurr, who committed three turnovers.
Then, Palacios & Co. committed another costly miscue on a third-down handoff, which was fumbled and recovered by the Condors, who didn’t waste anytime getting back on the board. Once again, Pimentel and Martinez hooked up for a score through the air, this time it was a 22-yard reception by the junior.
Schurr managed to answer right back though. On the very first play of the ensuing drive, Palacios hit receiver Hartfield on a quick slant route and the senior took it for a 72-yard score to get the Spartans back in the game.
Hartfield was Schurr’s go-to for offense in the half. However, the Spartans’ defense still struggled mightily to contain their opponents’ attack and make stops when they had to.