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Buena Park football coach David Prieto knew the Coyotes’ return to the CIF-SS playoffs resonated with his community. But when the third-year coach spotted the guests on the sideline, his heart overflowed.
A few former Buena Park players attend the playoff game against visiting Arroyo Valley on Friday. The group included former standout Elijah Gates (UCLA/Fresno State) as the Coyotes played in their first postseason game since 2016.
“These kids really work hard every day, so for people to come back and recognize them and show them that they matter,” Prieto said, “that’s an amazing feeling.”
The Coyotes (6-5) rewarded their faithful by defeating Arroyo Valley 62-30 in the first round of the Division 12 playoffs.
It was Buena Park’s first playoff victory since 2016 under former coach Anthony White, now at Santa Ana College, and arrived two seasons after it finished 0-10.
In advancing to this Friday’s quarterfinals at No. 2-seeded Yucca Valley (8-3), the Coyotes showcased many of the attributes that sparked a run to an at-large berth out of the Freeway League. They ran the ball well and leaned on several young players.
Buena Park rushed for 484 yards and six touchdowns.
Senior running back Jaden Moore paced the attack by rushing for 262 yards and three touchdowns. Danny Washington, also a senior, added 88 yards as the duo continued to produce.
“A little thunder and lightning combo,” Prieto said of the power-running Washington and shifty Moore.
Prieto said the Coyotes’ offensive line continued to play well. The group consists of sophomores Nestor Diaz and Anthony Gonzalez and seniors Allen Boswell, Jesus Sandoval, Erik Lopez and Emanuel Rodriguez.
“Our offensive line has kind of been the most consistent group all year,” sad Prieto, a former lineman at Fullerton and Mt. SAC.
Buena Park’s offense stated freshman quarterback Elacion Saxton, who threw three touchdowns.
The defense received several key contributions, especially some from a few emerging players.
Sophomore Alex Blancas, one of the team’s leading tackers, collected six tackles as he teamed with Washington and Warren transfer Jacob Taylor at linebacker.
Free safety Anthony Irons, who transferred from Downey just before the season, had eight tackles and his seventh interception.
“Great team leader,” Prieto said of Irons. “He’s one of our captains. That tells you a lot.”
Strong safety JeRon Johnson, a freshman, recorded eight tackles and an interception. Johnson arrived from the Inland Empire Ducks’ powerhouse youth program.
Freshman cornerback Hakim Frampton also had an interception. He was offered by Arizona over the weekend.
“He’s a lockdown corner,” Prieto said of Frampton. “We usually try to put him on the best receiver.”
Buena Park hopes to keep the momentum going Friday against Yucca Valley. The Coyotes haven’t reached the semifinals since 2015.
The community has noticed. Former lineman Ryan Nelson (Virginia) has been sending encouraging messages to the team, Prieto said.
“We’re pointed in the right direction,” the coach said, “so we’re excited.”
NOTES
The Freeway (4-0), Sea View (3-0) and South Coast (2-0) leagues went undefeated in the first round of the playoffs. …
Resurgent La Habra (7-4) has found success with its quarterback rotation of junior Kenny Saucedo and freshman DJ Mitchell. In a 41-21 victory against West Ranch last week in Division 6, Saucedo completed 6 of 7 passes for 165 yards and two TDs. Mitchell went 7 for 7 for 107 yards and a score. Senior wide receiver Bryce Whitley had 10 catches for 200 yards and two TDs. …
Troy sophomore Ethan Mundt and Western junior Malachi Alatorre played well on both sides of the ball in playoff victories last week.
Mundt rushed for 181 yards, scored four TDs and collected six tackles and an interception in a 41-28 victory against Monrovia in Division 9. Alatorre rushed for 140 yards, recorded 14 tackles and returned an interception 37 yards for a score in a 42-14 victory at Colony in Division 5. …
Servite junior defensive end Tommy Cernius had four sacks in the Friars’ 48-24 victory against Valencia of Valencia in Division 2 last week. …
San Clemente running back Aiden Rubin has set the school’s single-season record for rushing touchdowns with 20 in 10 games. The senior broke Josh Ferrell’s record of 17 in 2006. …
Ocean View defeated Bolsa Grande 35-28 in Division 14 for its first playoff victory since 2011.
