LWW got huge plays in all three phases of the game, all coming in the first half of its commanding 40-7 win over Metea Valley, improving the No. 6 ranked Warriors to 3-0 on the season.
The defense started the barrage when an errant snap by Metea Valley went out of the back of the end zone for a safety and a 2-0 lead. The ensuing free kick went to LWW senior Austin Rowswell, who took the return 70 yards for a special teams touchdown.
Senior quarterback Chase Hetfleisch and the offense got rolling once they finally got the ball, putting together touchdown drives on three consecutive possessions.
The first was a 50-yard strike from Hetfleisch to senior receiver DeAndre Coates, who scored his fourth touchdown of the season.
Running back Jahan Abubakar capped a 24-point first quarter with a 24-yard touchdown run, his fourth of the season. Abubakar is averaging 8.1 yards per carry and over 100 yards per game.
Hetfleisch was a perfect 5-for-5 for 132 yards and two touchdowns, giving him nine touchdowns to just one interception for the season. His second touchdown pass went to Rowswell for a 32-yard strike.
Hetfleisch was relieved in the second half by Grant Tustin, who was also a perfect 3-for-3 for 32 yards.
The defense got its second score of the game when Jackson Mansker caught an errant Metea Valley pass and ran 42 yards for the pick-six touchdown.
Warriors kicker Zach Hermanson connected on a 31-yard field goal to round out the first-half avalanche with LWW leading 40-0.
LWW’s defense was completely dominant, forcing Metea Valley backwards for -21 yards rushing in the game. The Warriors forced five Metea Valley punts two turnovers, a safety and allowed just 99 total yards.
