SHAW LEADS SCRIPPS TO TITLE ON GROUND

Running back gains 170 yards, scores 3 times before injury

Jalen Shaw rocketed over the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season with a 24-carry first half, helping Scripps Ranch to a 42-0 win over La Jolla in the Division II championship game Friday night at Escondido High.

Shaw, who came into the game with 894 yards and 14 touchdowns, had 168 yards and three scores at the half. He injured his ankle and had just one carry in the second half, finishing the game with 170 yards.

“I told you Jalen Shaw was the real deal,” said Scripps Ranch coach Marlon Gardinera. “He's so quick, so smooth.”

Shaw missed time earlier this season with a right ankle injury. Friday's injury was to the left ankle.

Gardinera said it wasn't serious.

“It means the world,” Shaw said of the championship. “We lost in 2019 and we didn't want anyone else except La Jolla. This is for the boys who lost in 2019.

“My offensive line was playing their butts off. Everything was opening up. I was seeing the holes and taking it to them.”

Scripps Ranch quarterback Jax Leatherwood completed 14 of 23 passes for 188 yards and TD strikes of 44 yards to Nijah Richards and 21 to Dylan Paley.

The Scripps Ranch defense had allowed 14 points in its last two games and 26 in its last three.

Gardinera credits senior linebacker Dylan Stoney with the turnaround, calling him “the heart and soul of our defense.”

Stoney missed 10 weeks with a broken collarbone, returning for the playoffs.

“We played with pure heart and motivation,” Stone said. “If I had to get injured, the timing was perfect. The whole time I was out, I was working my way back for the playoffs.

“I lead with passion, and I think the guys see that and feed off it.”

La Jolla had just 108 yards total offense, zero yards rushing.'

The Vikings (5-8) managed one first down in the first half and six for the game.

“Our defense played so well,” Leatherwood said. “I'm so proud of them.”

Highly touted quarterback Jackson Stratton, who has been in and out of the lineup with injuries this season, played the first half and two plays in the second, throwing for 24 yards with two interceptions.

Kevin Steel played the rest of the way and completed 12 of 18 passes for 84 yards.

La Jolla lost offensive/defensive lineman Danny Molestina in the second quarter with a right leg injury. The leg was placed in an air cast and he was transported to the hospital by ambulance.

“They had a heck of a game plan,” said La Jolla coach Tyler Roach. “And they played really well.

“Kudos to them. They were the better team tonight.”

Scripps Ranch (11-1) advances to the Southern California Regionals with pairings announced today.