Hillmen power to homecoming win over Del Campo

Placer High School kicked off the Foothill Valley League slate in style Friday night, rolling past Del Campo 42–26 for a homecoming victory at LeFebvre Stadium. Placer wasted no time setting the tone, exploding for 21 points in the first quarter and 35 by halftime, holding a three-score lead. The Hillmen continued to pour it on in the third quarter and the defense only gave in when the bench was emptied, allowing two late Del Campo touchdowns. Senior Liam Grant and freshman Chase Rodarte shared quarterback duties, combining to go 7 for 9 through the air for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Rodarte connected with Keilin Beverage for a long score, while Grant hit Sanchez-Harlow on a perfectly timed strike that left Del Campo's secondary grasping at air. Senior Danny Sanchez-Harlow put on a show under the lights, scoring three of his four total touchdowns on the ground. Sanchez-Harlow led the team in rushing and receiving, piling up 143 yards on seven carries and 72 yards and a score on three catches. Shaun Jones ran for 75 yards and a touchdown on seven carries and Keilin Beverage had two catches for 62 yards and a touchdown. Placer coach Joey Montoya said the defense had a strong night with junior Jeliah Adday leading the charge with 12 tackles. Ryan Alonzo added eight tackles while Riley Nilsen and Gage Esty each added seven. Esty had a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss. Del Campo quarterback Jackson Morgan did his best to keep the Cougars in it, passing for 336 yards and two touchdowns, including a 91-yard bomb to Ahmir Roots, who finished with a whopping 235 yards receiving. Morgan added 63 yards on the ground to complement Bryce Smith's 103-yard performance. Placer (4-2, 1-0 FVL) will be on the road Friday night to face defending league, Sac-Joaquin Section and NorCal-champion Twelve Bridges (6-0, 1-0) in Lincoln. The Hillmen and Raging Rhinos met twice last year, with Twelve Bridges winning both and ending Placer's season in the Division IV section semifinals.