Titans Down Chula Vista 42-14 to Advance to Semifinals

The journey to the 'Q' made a brief stop at Poway High Friday night before the Titans continued on their way for a chance at another San Diego Section Division I championship.

It took a quarter before the Titans looked like the team that went 9-0-1 in the regular season, but once the second quarter started it was all Titans as they cruised to a 42-14 win over Chula Vista High (6-5).

After punting twice in the first quarter, the Titans exploded out of the gates in the second quarter, logging scores on 9- and 10-yard touchdown passes from Gabe Isaak to Isaiah Gross and a 15-yard touchdown run from Nehemiah Gross to lead 21-0 at the half.

"Anytime you come off a long off-week, there is going to be a little bit of rust," Poway coach Damian Gonzalez said. "But I tell you what, we moved the ball at times very well. When you score twice on defense, that definitely helps the team out."

As the MVP of the game, defensive end Jonathan Peterson recovered two fumbles, scoring once and setting up a touchdown on his other recovery. He also had 12 tackles.

On offense it was the Gross brothers, Isaiah and Nehemiah, who proved they deserved all-league honors.

"Both of them were All-Palomar League and they were sure playing like it tonight," Gonzalez said.

Nehamiah lead the way with 19 carries for 144 yards and a touchdown.

"I heard the Chula Vista coaches calling out the plays, like 'toss,' so they knew what I was doing," Nehamiah said. "But I did what I was supposed to do and cut back and find the open hole." 

Isaiah had two receptions for 19 yards and two scores.

There were several instances where the Titans appeared to get squeezed by the officials, both times on the short end of a no-call on a fumble, one of which would have been returned for a touchdown.

"Our kids battled well from the adversity they faced, getting a couple of tough breaks that didn't go our way," Gonzalez said. "But they just kept fighting and that was nice."

Cornerback Derek Babiash sealed the win with a 71-yard interception return for a touchdown with 2:55 left in the game.

With the win, the Titans advance to a Division I semifinal game, a rematch against Week 4 foe San Pasqual, a game that ended in a tie.

Both the players and coaches are looking at it as a way to get a bit of revenge.

"Any time you're playing in the semis and playing the team you tied, you have to be excited for that opportunity," Gonzalez said. "And we're excited to have Gabe Isaak back."

Quarterback Isaak didn't play in the San Pasqual game. But Gonzalez said the team is "back to full strength."

The Titans will host San Pasqual on Thursday at 7 p.m.

Scoring Summary:

Chula Vista         0        0       7        7    --   14

Poway                0      21      7      14    --    42

Second Quarter

P: Isaiah Gross 9 yard pass from Gabe Isaak (Jason Diaz PAT) 9:47

P: Nehemiah Gross 15 yard run (Diaz PAT) 8:05

P: Isaiah Gross 10 yard pass from Isaak (Diaz PAT) 0:40

Third Quarter

CV: Richard Walker 28 yard pass from Ricky Estevez (Omar Rebollo PAT) 6:34

P: Kyle LeBeau 7 yard pass from Ryan Sharpe (Diaz PAT) 4:52

Fourth Quarter

CV: Walker 8 yard pass from Estevez (Rebollo PAT) 9:23

P: Jonathan Petersen 30 yard fumble return (Diaz PAT) 4:57

P: Derek Babiash 71 yard interception return (Diaz PAT) 2:55