Capital Christian bounces back from slow start with drubbing of Vista del Lago

In its last full season, in 2019, the Capital Christian football team went undefeated in the Capital Athletic League. A lot has changed in two years but the Cougars are still winning league games. Despite a gusty attempt at a second half comeback, Capital Christian defeated Vista Del Lago 62-40 at home Friday night to improve to 2-2 on the season, 1-0 in league play.

The Cougars were hungry for a win after beginning the season 1-2 in a difficult nonleague schedule, losing both of their last two games. Thanks to the defense creating four interceptions, two by junior safety Kanye Clark, and one fumble recovery, the offense had ample opportunity to eat.

Capital Christian scored nine total touchdowns against the Eagles. Had penalties not been an issue for the Cougars, there would have been more.

Two receiving touchdowns of over 50 yards each were called back on the same drive due to both a block in the back and holding call. A kick return by senior wide receiver Cameron Sampson was also called back due to a block in the back call.

“I’m counting it, I don’t care,” Sampson said when asked about the play.

But the Cougars did not let the officials get in the way of their onslaught. Both through the air and on the ground, the big plays were plentiful for the Cougars.

Senior quarterback Anthony Garcia led the offense with well over 200 yards passing and three passing touchdowns.

When asked about how they throw the deep ball so well, Garcia said, “That is definitely our strength, it is where we can match up best against other teams.”

Garcia was also able to create some plays with his feet, gaining over 100 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to match his arm.

Having this kind of elite running ability at the quarterback position is a matchup nightmare for most defenses. However, it isn’t just Garcia that racks up yards. Sampson was able to haul in two receiving touchdowns and one rushing while piling up well over 200 all-purpose yards.

“Honestly, I wasn’t even thinking about that, I just wanted to play,” Sampson said when asked about his stats. “I’m not even worried about what I do in the game, I just got to play the game. Let the game come to me, that’s my motto.”

Three other Cougars also scored.

Kanye Clark was able to get going on offense as well as defense with a 45-yard touchdown carry to add to his interceptions. Sophomore athlete Kayo Patu also reeled in a 30-yard touchdown reception as the Eagles secondary was continuously picked apart.

The best touchdown, however, may have been the final one. In one of the most bizarre plays imaginable, freshman athlete Stephen Eagleton recovered an onside kick attempt by the Eagles and took it to the house.

While scoring 60 points was impressive, Capital Christian coach Saul Patu said there’s plenty of room for improvement.

“I think we did okay,” said coach Patu. “We did some good things, we got a lot to clean up. We’ll get back to the drawing board this next week and hopefully we can get all of those things fixed.”

A few of those things being the penalties that negated three touchdowns.

“We got smart kids, so we’ll come out this week and work on those things and hopefully we won’t see them next week,” said Patu.

Trailing 40-7 at halftime, Vista del Lago did most of its scoring work against the Capital Christian backups. Jakob Hollingshaus had three rushing touchdowns in the losing effort.

Next week, the Cougars will look to carry this week’s mentality with them as they welcome Christian Brothers on Homecoming night, Friday, Sep 24.