Last year’s matchup between the Mt. Miguel High School Matadors and Bishop’s School Knights was a turning point for both teams.
For the Knights, the win in 2023 matchup sparked a eventual eight-game win streak and vaulted them into the CIF Division II playoffs. For the Matadors, the loss was acatalyst that sparked their eventual run to and capture of the CIF San Diego Division IV title.
While it’s unknown if this year’s game will serve as a turning point for either team in 2024, what is know is that Mount Miguel was able to exact some revenge, taking down the Knights 34-14.
“It was great to come out here and get this win. They are the only team in San Diego that has beaten us as a regime since we have been here. So it was good for our kids to come back here an get this win. They played hard, and I love how they responded in the second half,” said Mount Miguel coach Verlain Betofe.
Heading into the game, the Matadors’ offense looked like one of the best in San Diego County, averaging 34 points per game as a unit. And Friday night its torrid pace continued.
Mount Miguel would march down the field on the opening drive, going 70 yards on just five plays, with the drive being capped off by a 19-yard pass from AJ Stowers to Ezelle Buchanan.
While the Matadors’ offense would go dormant for the rest of the first half, it was quickly awoken in the second half, thanks to an increased offensive tempo and elite play alongthe offensive line.
After scoring just six points in the first half, the Matadors’ offense turned to their running backs for a spark. The duo of Zane Rottier and KJ Shields would respond with a combined four scores on the ground, including scores of 35 and 27 yards, to start the second half to jump Mount Miguel out to a 34-7 lead by the end of the third quarter.
“When our O-line is playing as they did in the second half, and our running backs are going like that, we’re really hard to stop.” said Betofe, “This team, I think our identity is to run the ball a little bit more.”
Turning in an equally impressive performance as their offensive teammates would be Mount Miguel’s defense. Facing big-armed Cash Herrera, the defense would keep the Knights’ signal caller to under a 60 percent completionpercentage and one touchdown pass.
Off the end, junior defensive end Chance Bailey would live in the backfield, clocking four QB pressures and 1.5 sacks on the night.
“Cash is my seven-on-seven quarterback, so that is my guy. I am a huge fan of his game, and I think he is one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. I think our guysdid a good job of containing him and making him force the ball into tight windows and being disruptive.” said Betofe. “Our defensive coordinator, Eric Jones, is one ofthe best in the city, and he had a great game plan tonight.”