Nielsen's big night leads Jordan over N. Torrance
LONG BEACH » Led by junior quarterback Jarret Nielsen's remarkable passing, the Jordan football team rolled to a 59-24 victory over North Torrance in a season-opening game Friday at Jordan High.
Nielsen, who threw for 576 yards and five touchdowns, quickly got the Panthers on the scoreboard on their opening possession with a 60yard touchdown pass to Donovin Randolph.
North responded with an 18-yard touchdown run by halfback Will Pineda to bring them within 7-6.
From there, the Jordan offense took off with back-to-back touchdowns by star running back Jordan Washington and junior Jake Bautista, a transfer from Cerritos.
“It's fun being here on the north side, you know, getting used to it, I mean you saw tonight,” said Bautista.
Bautista finished the night with seven catches for 194 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite two great touchdown plays for North — 53- and 37-yard passes by Boogie Anetema to his brother Kingston Anetema — Jordan went into halftime with a 3318 lead.
The second half was no different. Nielsen and the Panthers offense dominated the second half with three touchdowns in the third quarter — a touchdown pass to Bautista and two touchdown catches by Deonte Tucker, who finished with 101 yards receiving.
“Hard work in the offseason, making my reads, knowing the defense,” Nielsen said about his preparation coming into the game. “I had to step up more as a leader, get my guys together and keep them locked in throughout the game.”
Washington finished the night with 150 yards rushing and three touchdowns, and added eight catches for another 82 yards.
North had one touchdown in the fourth quarter, a 20-yard touchdown pass to Kingston Anetema.
The Panthers capped the night with a 35-yard TD pass to Tucker.
After the game, coach Jon Nielsen had one statement: “Numbers don't lie, people do.”
Jordan will be on the road against Peninsula on Friday night.