Foresthill High running back Colton Rhone breaks into the clear on his way to one of three touchdowns he tallies last Friday night. Rhone's exploits helped the host Wildfires post a 33-12 win over Valley Christian. www.bridgetsfotos.com

Homecoming Sweet For Wildfires

By Jim Linsdau

SEBASTIAN STADIUM _ Following a scoreless first half, the Foresthill High School varsity football team exploded for five touchdowns in the final two periods to defeat Valley Christian, 33-12, Oct. 9. It was FHS's 2009 Homecoming game.

Although the Lions had an obvious weight advantage on the offensive line, the Wildfires defense gave up yardage only grudgingly. Valley held its own for two quarters, but then sophomore funning back Colton Rhone caught fire and raced for three TDs of 17, 60, and 23 yards in the span of less than five minutes.

FHS head coach Jim Herlehy said after meeting at halftime his offensive line was able to make the necessary adjustments to get the ball carriers into the open.

“We knew we could run on them,” Herlehy said, “we just had to find the time to get the line together and talk about what (Valley was) doing to try and stop us.” 

Rhone rolled up 126 yards on 21 carries. Wide receiver Christian Addington gained 60 yards on four, end-around running plays. Quarterback Dave Whitsett completed two passes for 41 yards, and rushed for 28.

The King Cats threatened to get back into the game with a touchdown run of 44 yards and pass play for 68 yards. That closed the gap to 18-12 until Addington took a VC punt 55 yards for a score at 3:39 in the fourth quarter.

That's when the Wildfires' defense took over.

Linebacker Travis Greene intercepted two Valley late-game passes, and cornerback Travis Marshall collect one. Foresthill running back Kevin Tackitt capped the scoring with a 6-yard dive into the end zone with less than three minutes to go.

“The comeback was really stopped when Christian Addington took it upon himself to fake the punt when he saw an opening,” said Herlehy of his kicker's touchdown gallop. “We (then) had all the confidence in the world. Travis Green with two picks sealed the deal.”

Whitsett added a 2-point conversion, and Addington kicked for an extra point.

Greene also led in tackles with15 and nine assists, Jake Henry added nine and seven, and Alex Harley eight and six.

The win improved Foresthill's record to 4-1, 1-0 in the Central Valley Christian League. The Lions fell to 1-4, 1-2 in league. The `Fires will host CVCL foe Bradshaw Christian (4-1, 1-0) this Friday.