Silver Creek’s defense steps up against Evergreen Valley in a 20-0 win

SAN JOSE, CALIF.—  The Raiders started off the season with a convincing victory, led by the rushing presence of Jasean Amataga, who rushed for 148 yards and found the endzone two times. 

On Friday, Amataga and SC (1-0, 0-0) impressed the home crowd by shutting out Evergreen Valley (0-1, 0-0), 20-0.

On the defensive side of the ball, the pass rush dominated, earning six sacks throughout the game. Senior Nathaniel Spellman and freshman Xavier Hernandez led the way, breaking into the backfield to bring down the Cougars quarterback two times each. Aiden Dunbar and Kristopher Herrera both picked up a sack as well. 

Senior cornerback Austin Price and junior cornerback Juan Vieyra each got an interception, which added on to Evergreen Valley’s offensive struggles. Price had four interceptions last season, and is already on track to have an even better season in his final high school year.

The momentum of the game shifted on the first drive of the game after Amataga broke off a 95-yard touchdown run to put the Raiders up 7-0 early. The score stayed the same until midway through the third quarter, when Amataga found the endzone again to tack on seven more; while in the fourth quarter starting Quarterback Gio Mejia kept it himself and used his legs to boost the Raiders lead to 20-0 and put the game away.

Silver Creek offensively kept the ball out of the air, only attempting nine passes on the night, completing five of those for a total of 44 yards and 8.8 yards per pass. Jamontay Amataga and Austin Price picked up the receiving yards for SC, with 23 yards and 21 yards respectively.

Dunbar was the leading tackler for the Raiders, with a six tackle game to start his senior year. Freshman kicker Saxton Sinatra landed a 51 yard punt to pin the Cougars back inside the 15 yard line, and averaged a total of 38.1 yards through his three punts. He was 2 for 3 on extra points, and kicked zero field goals. 

Silver Creek hosts Homestead High School on Thursday, September 5, at Raider Stadium.