Encinal football team posts fifth shutout of the season

The Encinal High School (EHS) Jets football team earned another shutout victory after a 35-0 win over the Trojans of Castro Valley High (CVHS) last Friday, Oct. 4, at home on Stargell Field.

The Trojans’ best scoring opportunity came in the second quarter. With the Jets leading 21-0, the Trojans were on a drive. CVHS quarterback attempted a play fake to the fullback. The ball instead went to the running back, but Jets’ senior linebacker Jezeiah Naigulevu snuffed it out quickly, stuffing both the fullback and running back in a matter of seconds to end the drive. 

“Everybody gets juiced when J (Naigulevu) makes big plays,” junior Cordell Reed said. “We expect that every game.”

Naigulevu had nine tackles, two for losses and a sack in the contest. Junior defensive backs Vincent Nunley and Keirr Stewart had an interception apiece. The Jets also forced a fumble. 

“We place a lot of emphasis on defense” Stewart said.

The Jets’ offense made big chunk plays in the air. Senior quarterback David Romero-Reinholz threw for 327 yards and five touchdowns on 11-of-15 passing. He only completed passes to three receivers. 

Senior Teddy Oliver led the way with five catches for 185 yards and three touchdowns. His first score was on a 65-yard flea flicker in the second quarter. He and Romero-Reinholz connected for a 20-yard score in the third quarter. The two closed out the game with an 85-yard score connection. Stewart caught four pass for 61 yards including touchdown passes of 30 and 18 yards. Senior Micah Konapiliahi-puahi had two receptions for 81 yards. Running back Isaiah Smith rushed for 68 yards on 14 carries.

This is the Jets’ fifth shutout in six games. Since losing to McClymonds High of Oakland, 28-7, on Sept. 6, the Jets have outscored their opponents, 103-0, in three games. 

The game was EHS’ homecoming. The Jets face Piedmont on Oct. 11 on the road in its next contest.