THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Whitney High School Athletics

The Whitney High football team cruised past Ponderosa 35-8 Friday during a fireworks-filled homecoming with a quarterback starting his first varsity game. Robert “Bones” Jones took advantage of his first varsity start to throw for four touchdowns and run for another. The junior accounted for 292 yards (200 passing and 92 rushing). “I had the regular pregame nerves before my first start,” Jones said. “However, I’ve prepared myself every week to be ready to play, so I was excited.” Of course, it was not Jones alone. Others were senior wideout Mark Clark, who caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Jones. Clark had scored the play earlier, but a penalty called it back. Justin Kraft, who has offers from the University of Hawaii and the Air Force Academy, hauled in three TD aerials. Kraft had six catches for 87 yards and rushed for 7 yards on one carry. “I feel like I played decent,” said Kraft. “It’s more about the team and how we played together. I think we executed well and overall the outcome was positive.” Running backs Justin Sanchez and Sergio Sanchez (no relation) rushed for 45 and 38 yards respectively. But the top ground-gainer was Jones, with 68 yards on four carries. “I thought Robert Jones managed the offense well and let it run its course,” said Whitney head coach Jesse Armas. “He adds a different dimension to our offense.” Jones picked up the nickname “Bones” last season after moving up from junior varsity. “Being brought up to varsity last season was a great experience for me,” Jones said. “I was super lucky to get the varsity exposure as a sophomore and see what it takes to be the starter.” Although the Bruins put together promising offensive drives throughout the game, they were snuffed out by penalties and Whitney’s defense. Linebacker Michael Hirsch had 14 tackles and two sacks, and got help from fellow linebacker Nick Eaton (nine tackles and a sack). Junior defensive back Brayden Coon intercepted a pass and made a good return. At 1-1 in the Capital Valley Conference, each team had plenty at stake and Whitney did not take any chances. The ‘Cats took just five play to score on their first possession and Jones rushed 7 yards for a 14-0 Wildcats’ lead to start the second quarter. After taking a 28-0 lead, Whitney’s defense surrendered a touchdown and 2-point conversion, but no more. Jones and Kraft capped the scoring in period three with a 31-yard TD strike and then sat out the rest of the game. “I feel that our team is peaking at the right time of the season,” said Armas. “It’s our job as coaches to keep the expectations high in practices, which lead to Friday nights.” THIS WEEK Whitney travels to Oakmont, a team with a 4-2 overall record. The Vikings defeated Bella Vista 57-0 for their first league win Friday. “Oakmont is 1-2 (in league), but I believe they’re better than their record,” said Armas. “They played Antelope very tough and I believe they will be amped to be at home against us.”

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Whitney High School Athletics

WILDCATS ROAR BACK; POUND PONDO 35-8

AARON DAY

Placer Herald | 10/12/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Aaron Day