Sierra Vista dominates line of scrimmage in win over Desert Oasis

Sierra Vista’s early success in Class 4A Southwest League play can be attributed to its ability to dominate the line of scrimmage.

On Friday night, the Mountain Lions once again controlled the line of scrimmage in a 49-0 rout of Desert Oasis to maintain control of The Railroad Rivalry Trophy.

Sierra Vista (5-1, 4-0 in league play) racked up 331 yards rushing and six touchdowns on 23 carries.

“Our offensive line has been doing a great job all year,” Sierra Vista head coach John Foss said. “Our offensive line coach Will Maivea has been a doing great job getting them ready to play each week.”

The Mountain Lions were great on defense, too, finishing the game with nine sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery while limiting the Diamondbacks (0-6, 0-3) to 69 yards of total offense. Sierra Vista’s defense has not allowed a score in 10 quarters.

Sierra Vista ran seven offensive plays in the first quarter and led 21-0. Bryan LaGrange opened the scoring with a 64-yard touchdown run. Isaiah Zavala then scored on a 10-yard run, and Jahssiah Maiava scored on a 3-yard run.

The Mountain Lions’ offensive line even got in on the scoring when right guard Isaiah Palelei recovered a fumble in the end zone to push the Mountain Lions’ lead to 28-0.

“It felt awesome,” Palelei said. “It was a blessing. I mean I wish [the running back] could have held on to the ball, but it happens and he fumbled. So, I took the shot to recover it and score it. I’m happy, extremely happy. You know, we’re just working hard and hard work pays off.”

Sierra Vista’s Aaron Kahaleauki led all rushers with 116 yards and two touchdowns on four carries. LaGrange ran for 98 yards on five carries.

Palelei said the Mountain Lions’ offensive line takes pride in its running backs putting up big numbers. He also credited his coaches in the line’s development this season.

“It’s very important and the reason why we do it is it’s a brotherhood,” Palelei said. “We believe in each other, we have each other’s back. Our job is to get our guys in the backfield in the end zone. We come out here to get the job done, and I think we did really well and we executed on the field.

“Everything we do on the field, what we show, all of it is from our coaches. All of our technique, skills – everything.”