Laguna Creek celebrates homecoming victory over Franklin. Cardinals are finally healthy
Franklin and Laguna Creek entered Friday night’s Delta League matchup at Cosumnes River College in search of their first Delta League victory. It’s too early to call it a must-win week, but there was that sense of urgency.
It was homecoming for Laguna Creek, and the bleachers had every space filled with family or students standing and chanting, where the hyperactive bunch broke into karaoke midway through the fourth quarter singing Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” as the Cardinals cruised to a 35-6 victory in a battle of Elk Grove Unified School District programs.
Laguna Creek coach Ryan Nill said this was the boost that his team needed. Nill is a Cardinal alum, graduating in 2006, and said the effort pays homage to those who came before him.
Laguna Creek is celebrating its 30th year. The school opened in 1994 and was the fourth high school to open in Elk Grove Unified.
Since opening, Laguna Creek has experienced success in sports and produced athletes such as former NFL player Jeremy Ross; Brad Kilby, a former Oakland A’s pitcher; Casey Weathers, a 2008 USA baseball team member; retired MMA fighter Danny Castillo; Malik Pope, who now plays professional basketball in Estonia; and Maria Kang, a fitness enthusiast and founder of No Excuse Mom.
Nill was familiar with each of those notable athletes. He said it’s tough to compare generations of athletes but he is excited to see how his players make a name for themselves. He does know he has a resilient group as the Cardinals have battled through injuries.
For the first time this season, Nill said, the team was fully healthy.
“We finally get to see what we can do tonight,” Nill said. “We’re trying to compete, win a Delta league championship if possible, and go to the playoffs. That’s the mindset still.”
Return of the back
Senior running back Armon Thorntona missed the previous three games with a strained hamstring. His presence was missed. He returned against Franklin and ran for more than 100 yards and three scores.
Thorntona scored twice in the second quarter, on a 2-yard push and a 20-yard scamper eluding defenders with jukes and hurdles. His third score came in the third quarter.
“It feels great being back on the field,” Thorntona said. “Back on the field with my brothers instead of watching from the sideline. This was a great experience. Good dub. Haven’t won since Week 2. It was good to be out here with my brothers again. We had a packed student section, pack crowd.”
Late in the first half, Laguna Creek ran a receiver screen pass where senior Owen Burke threw an interception to Franklin junior Deon Holston. The following possession, the Wildcats tried to score but a pass from Braylon Robinson was batted in the air and picked off by Cardinals junior linebacker Ryan Eddy, who took it 79 yards for a touchdown.
The Wildcats’ only points came in the fourth quarter on a 40-yard pass from Robinson to sophomore Jovan Harper. Senior Justin Starks also recorded an interception in the game for Franklin.
Up next, Delta League play continues
Both teams play home games Oct. 4.
Franklin (4-2) plays host to Sheldon (3-3) at Cosumnes Oaks High School where the Wildcats play their home games. The Huskies, who are 1-1 in Delta League games, are coming off a 47-0 shutout loss against Monterey Trail. The Wildcats remain in search of their first league win.
In another Delta League showdown, Laguna Creek (2-4), which plays its home games at Cosumnes River College, invites the Cosumnes Oaks Wolfpack (1-4), coming off a Delta League loss to Elk Grove, 64-38. The Cardinals look to win back-to-back league games.