Jon D. Gaede | BVN Sports

The two cross-town schools first battled during the Citrus Belt League regular season as the Cajon Cowboys beat Citrus Valley 28-7. However, the Blackhawks toppled the Cowboys 34-16 in the first round of the CIF Division two playoffs on Friday night.

The two high powered football schools met for the second time in a few weeks

The bleachers were full and the bands played their fight songs on a crisp fall night at Cajon High School. It is unusual for two teams from the same league to be pitted against each other in the first round of CIF Playoff competition, but these two high powered football schools met for the second time in a few weeks.

The rematch would not go the same for the Cowboys

Cajon’s balanced attack and overall team speed brought a 9-1 league record, to Citrus Valley’s high scoring 8-2. From the start of the evening, Citrus Valley’s defense took advantage of Cajon turnovers, establishing a large 24-0 lead at halftime. The rematch would not go the same for the Cowboys.

Senior quarterback Hunter Herrera threw three touchdown passes

The Blackhawks forced four key turnovers on the night, with nearly 300 yards of total offense, a complete reverse of their initial meeting. Citrus Senior quarterback Hunter Herrera threw three touch-down passes and ran the ball for another 75. Standout Blackhawk tight-end Brock Liam, averaging 62 yards per game, was double teamed often but still made catches, intercepted a pass and made several tackles on defense.

Cajon’s JeyQuan Smith, a dual sport athlete, accounted for 210 yards of offense

Cajon’s dual sport athlete JeyQuan Smith was impressive for the Cowboys. Smith is a prolific Citrus Belt League sprinter and running back. He accounted for 210 yards of offense, with 140 on the ground and a 66 yard catch for a touchdown. Cajon’s outstanding season ends at 9-2.

Citrus Valley draws Chaminade in CIF second round

Citrus Valley gets to stay home, drawing Mission League powerhouse Chaminade (9-2) who beat San Clemente 27-26 in overtime to reach the CIF second round. Game time 7:30 on Friday night.

While on assignment for GamePro Magazine in 1996, Jon Gaede met former Black Voice Sports Editor, Leland Stein at a Los Angeles Lakers’ game. They formed a working relationship which has endured for 24 years. In addition to African safaris, theater productions, Footsteps to Freedom Tours with Black Voice News Publisher Emeritus Cheryl Brown, concerts and portraits, Jon’s true passion comes from shooting action sports images. Jon has covered a variety of prep, collegiate and professional sports from track & field to boxing, including six Olympic Games.