SD Open-Division Semis Recap: #2-Carlsbad vs. #3-Granite Hills
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Highlights and breakdowns from one of two OT thrillers in San Diego’s Open-Division Section semifinals. #3-Granite Hills took down #2-Carlsbad 46-45 with a successful 2-point conversion in the first OT after both teams went back and forth for four quarters.…
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Continue ReadingHighlights and breakdowns from one of two OT thrillers in San Diego’s Open-Division Section semifinals. #3-Granite Hills took down #2-Carlsbad 46-45 with a successful 2-point conversion in the first OT after both teams went back and forth for four quarters. Granite Hills’ offense was methodical with the ball and their strong OL unit was able to open lanes in the running game, while the defense produced the first INT of the season thrown by QB Julian Sayin Julian Sayin 6'1" | 195 lbs | QB Carlsbad | 2024 State CA . Carlsbad’s offense got strong performances from Mason Walsh Mason Walsh 5'8" | 195 lbs | RB Carlsbad | 2024 State CA (24 carries, 141 yards, 3 TDs), and WRs Will Cianfrini Will Cianfrini 6'4" | 180 lbs | WR Carlsbad | 2024 State CA (43-yard TD catch) and Griffin Rosenbloom Griffin Rosenbloom 6'5" | 200 lbs | WR Carlsbad | 2024 State CA (TD in OT). The loss marks the end of the career of one of the best QBs to ever come out of San Diego with Sayin headed to Alabama next season. Granite Hills continues their quest for a second straight state championship advancing to play #1-Lincoln at Snapdragon Stadium this Saturday, 11/18 at 7pm.
Top Performers
Turner was able to consistently churn out chunks of yards on the ground with his physical, downhill running style. The standout junior RB totaled 20 carries for 133 yards and 3 TDs, including the game-tying TD to send the game to OT. His contact balance and ability to drive through defenders continues to stand out, along with his speed once he hits the second/third levels. Turner’s totaled over 1,000 rushing yards and 15 TDs on the season heading into the Open-Division championship.
Highlights
Isaiah “Pablo” Jackson
Isaiah “Pablo” Jackson
Jackson flashed his dynamic skillset out of the backfield totaling 23 carries for 80 yards and 2 TDs. He also took a screen pass down to the 2-yard line to set up his own rushing TD. He flashed his speed and ability to stretch the field getting to the edge for a TD off the RT and found the endzone on a jet sweep for the game-winning 2 point conversion. Jackson’s an electric playmaker that can be utilized in multiple ways and excels with the ball in space. He and Turner are two of the top unoffered RB prospects in San Diego’s 2025 class.
Benitez showed poise and composure well beyond his years in the semifinal win, making big plays when they were needed most. The freshman QB was quick, efficient, and accurate with the ball completing 24/33 passes for 229 yards and 2 TDs. He did a great job of leading his playmakers into space on quick-hitters and navigating away from pressure to find receivers downfield. Benitez has shown promising tools and potential heading into his toughest test yet against one of the top defenses in SoCal.
Highlights
Brenden Lewis
Brenden Lewis
Lewis caught 14 passes for 153 yards and made one of the biggest plays of the game coming down with a 50-yard catch on the final drive of the game. He did most of his work on short, underneath routes where he showed sure hands and ability to make the first defender miss out on the perimeter. Lewis has been Granite Hills’ most productive WR this season with over 50 catches and 8 TDs on the season- they’ll need another standout performance from him against a talented Lincoln secondary.