On Friday, the HHS football teams faced off against the Leland High School Chargers. Mustangs JV team lost their game 9-0 but the Varsity team beat the Chargers 27-6. Seniors Rajah Ward and Luis Caballero led the way, each scoring a pair of touchdowns.

“I think that the most physical team is gonna win. If we keep them under 14, we’ll be pretty successful,” Coach Morris said before the game.

The Chargers did not score beyond 14.

Because of the Mustangs’ large lead, several players who didn’t participate in HHS’s last two games against San Lorenzo Valley and Milpitas were given a chance to shine. Among these players was senior linebacker Brando “Chuey” Yanez.

“Honestly, it’s my first game in, like, two years, so I’m pretty nervous. But I feel pretty confident that we’re going to take this one,” Yanez said before the game.

Junior quarterback Jack Barden impressed with 88 passing yards and a pass completion percentage of 31%.

Senior running back Rajah Ward stirred the crowd with two touchdowns in six carries, 160 rushing yards, 26.7 average yards per carry and a rush long of 63 yards. Senior running back Luis Caballero finished the game with 101 rushing yards in five carries. Both running backs received Player of the Game for their achievements during the match.

Senior running back Kelli Lackey nabbed the lion’s share of receiving yards with 46 and junior tight end Justin Yi nabbed a game-high 24 yards with a single reception.

Senior defenses James McFadden and Simone Moli made the most tackles, McFadden with seven solo tackles and three assists for a total of ten, and Moli with seven solo tackles and one assist for a total of eight. McFadden received the Player of the Game honor that night with Ward and Caballero.

The Mustangs will take on Terra Nova High School next Friday in Pacifica.

All statistics courtesy of maxpreps.com

Gallery • 46 Photos

Photo by Mark Lu

Senior Katy Moylan performs with the Equestriettes during the pre-game show.