San Marcos football delivered a commanding performance on Friday at Warkentin Stadium, defeating Hueneme 44-6 during their Senior Night celebration. The Royals' victory was fueled by strong play on both offense and defense, including forcing six turnovers throughout the game. This win improves San Marcos' record to 4-4 overall and 2-1 in the Tri-County League.
Head coach Isaiah Veal emphasized the importance of the game, stating it was crucial for their playoff aspirations and their goal to contend for a league title. Veal, in his first season as head coach, also lauded the team's 17-player senior class, acknowledging their skill, talent, and willingness to be coached, which he said made his job significantly easier.
The game commenced with Hueneme mounting a solid drive, but the San Marcos defense halted them on fourth down at the 35-yard line when sophomore Griffin Cooney deflected a pass. The Royals quickly capitalized, with senior running back Tommy Diaz scoring on a 6-yard rush, giving San Marcos a 7-0 lead in the first quarter with 3:56 remaining.
As the game moved into the second quarter, the Royals' defense continued its strong play. Freshman Joseph Nealon recovered a fumble and returned it 70 yards for a touchdown, extending San Marcos' lead to 14-0 with 5:32 left in the half after senior Austin Downing's extra point. On the very next Hueneme play, Nealon made another significant defensive contribution with an interception, returning it to the 2-yard line. Coach Veal noted Nealon's “breakout game,” highlighting the freshman's strong performance in his first year playing football.
Following a false start, senior quarterback Hayden Feleay connected with senior wideout Isaac Murillo for a 5-yard touchdown pass. The pair also completed the two-point conversion, pushing the lead to 22-0 with 3:21 on the clock. San Marcos then forced a punt, starting their next drive at their own 6-yard line with 1:41 left. Feleay found Murillo for a 61-yard catch-and-run, advancing the ball to Hueneme's 33-yard line. Despite a penalty, Feleay later scrambled and launched a 38-yard pass to Murillo, who made an acrobatic catch for another touchdown. Coach Veal commented on Feleay and Murillo's "great connection," praising Murillo as a game-changer. The Royals converted another two-point play via a trick play involving sophomore Caden LaPlante, making the halftime score 30-0.
Offensive leaders for San Marcos included Feleay, who completed 10-of-17 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns, Murillo, who had three catches for 104 yards and two touchdowns, and Diaz, who accumulated 92 yards of offense and scored a touchdown.
In the second half, the San Marcos defense maintained its intensity. Murillo intercepted a pass on Hueneme's first play, returning it 45 yards for a pick-six, establishing a 37-0 lead. Coach Veal credited the defense's ability to be gap sound and for players to make plays. Hueneme responded with their only scoring drive of the night, culminating in a 12-yard touchdown pass to Carlos Flores, cutting the lead to 37-6. San Marcos quickly answered, with Feleay throwing an 11-yard touchdown pass to LaPlante, who elevated over his defender for the catch, bringing the score to 44-6 in the final minutes of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter saw the clock running continuously. San Marcos' defense concluded Senior Night with two more takeaways: senior Kevan Vatan recovered a fumble, and fellow senior Anthony Herrera secured an interception. The Royals will now prepare for a road game against Royal High next week. Hueneme, with a season record of 1-7 and 0-3 in league play, is scheduled to face Santa Paula on the road.