McAllister, Basic erupt for 42-20 victory at Foothill

Aeneas McAllister rushed for three touchdowns and passed for another as sixth-ranked Basic captured a 42-20 win at Foothill on Thursday.

Foothill led 20-7 early, but Basic scored 35 unanswered points.

"That's kind of been our M.O. all year," Basic coach Jeff Cahill said. "The Green Valley game we were down, the Arbor View game we got down. We've been trying to break that, but unfortunately, there were a lot of mistakes in the first quarter — penalties, turnovers. But we've been preaching all year that we have each other's backs and we fight until the end. That's a quality win for us."

McAllister had TD runs of 12, 5 and 5 yards and also had a 9-yard scoring pass to Brian Evans with five seconds left in the first half that put the Wolves (7-1, 3-0 Southeast League) up 21-10.

McAllister completed 20 of 30 passes for 269 yards and also had 19 carries for 89 yards.

"This was his game," Cahill said. "He grew up out here with the junior Wolf Pack and played against these kids his whole life. And this is the one he looks forward to the most. He had his best game, by far, this year. He really carried us there after the first quarter."

McAllister had rushed for two second-half TDs, and Teyjean Thomas returned a blocked field goal 77 yards for a score as Basic pulled away.

"When I was running, I was hoping to at least get to the 50 (yard line)," Thomas said. "I honestly didn't know how close they were to me. … That really changed the team's whole attitude."

Seventh-ranked Foothill (5-2, 1-1) ran seven plays for a total of 5 yards in the first quarter, but led 14-0 because of two Basic turnovers.

Devin Smith returned an interception 95 yards for a touchdown with 3:47 left in the first quarter. Basic fumbled the ensuing kickoff, giving the Falcons the ball at the Basic 6. Justice Jackson capped the short drive with a 1-yard TD run for a 14-0 lead.

Basic also converted on a hook-and-ladder play, with Devon Mueller hitting Smith with a 6-yard pass. Smith then pitched to Jackson, who went the final 30 yards for a TD and a 20-6 lead.

Basic answered with McAllister's TD run and the pass to Evans to take the lead.

Deondre Ishmam caught eight passes for 125 yards and also intercepted a pass for Basic.

Jackson had 126 yards on 22 carries for Foothill.