Article 353: Playmakers key in Milpitas win

October 26, 2013

In a SCVAL De Anza Division battle that will be critical in determining the eventual league champion, Milpitas rallied from a halftime deficit as well as a fourth quarter deficit to win 31-28 in Palo Alto. The Trojans scored five touchdowns as two came from star running back Squally Canada. Palo Alto had four touchdowns with Stanford commit quarterback Keller Chryst throwing for two and running for one.

Milpitas is undefeated in league play with four wins as Canada, Tre Hartley, and junior running back Savion Black lead the Trojans' attack. Canada is a bruising back who also has the speed to get to the edge on sweeps. Hartley is the most versatile as he was effective as a defensive back, wide receiver, and return man. Black provides a good second option to Canada in the backfield as he had two touchdown runs himself and will be featured on the offense as a senior. The Milpitas line play was effective on both sides as the running game was obvious in its productivity, but the defensive side was also able to apply pressure in their pass rush.

Palo Alto will go only as far as their line play will take them. Even with a BCS level quarterback in Chryst, he was constantly harassed and had to scramble out of the pocket to make plays. Senior running back Andrew Frick had two scores and senior wide receiver Keesean Johnson had one as they do provide Chryst with some offensive options. On the defensive side, the unit was able to make some key stops but got gashed on several double-digit yard runs and a few big pass plays.

Milpitas controls its own destiny in league play as they could face Los Gatos in the season finale for the league title. Despite being one dimensional in its offensive attack, opponents have had trouble stopping them even if they know what is coming. Milpitas needs to work on the penalties and special teams as they had a few unsportsmanlike calls and did not convert on the extra point or two-point conversions on its first four touchdowns.

Palo Alto will need to win out to have a winning record for the regular season, as their key game will be against Los Gatos, the other currently undefeated team in league play. The Vikings look like they will have to win in high offensive scoring games, as the defense has not been able to slow down formidable opponents up to now. With that kind of pressure, the offense has little margin for error and needs to be efficient with their scoring and limit turnovers as Chryst had two interceptions.

Squally Canada 6-foot-0, 190 pounds RB Milpitas (2014): Canada had 197 yards rushing in the game to help him eclipse 1,000 rushing yards for the year. In addition, he had the deciding score, which was a one-yard screen pass that he turned into a 57-yard touchdown with less than two minutes in the game. Canada hits the line fast and hard, but also has enough speed to get to the edge. He was difficult to bring down in the open field. Canada translates to being a productive running back on the college level.

Keller Chryst 6-foot-4, 230 pounds QB Palo Alto (2014): When given time, Chryst can make all the throws with both accuracy and arm strength. Even when harassed, Chryst was able to scramble out of a few dicey situations to get yardage or to make an outlet pass. Chryst had 252 yards passing with two touchdowns while his two interceptions were in the last three possessions of the game.

Andrew Frick 5-foot-11, 215 pounds FB/LB Palo Alto (2014): Frick had one score each rushing and receiving. His 57 yard touchdown was a tackle breaking screen catch that looked like the game winner with less than three minutes left. Frick was also critical on defense as he wrapped up the Milpitas runners and was sure handed in his tackling.

Tre Hartley 6-foot-0, 180 pounds DB/WR Milpitas (2014): Hartley showed the versatility usually associated with a Charles Woodson or a Devin Hester. Hartley had a 78-yard punt return called back in the first half but the return displayed how elusive he is in the open field. He was tight in his coverage as a defensive back. When the Trojans did pass, Hartley was usually the first option and would often be able to create separation or position himself well. He has solid hands and is an all-around athlete. He should be an instant contributor at the college level as he can play all three phases of the game.

Keesean Johnson 6-foot-2, 180 pounds DB/WR Palo Alto (2014): Johnson was the lead receiver and had a 42-yard touchdown reception in the first pass. He has good size and was elusive in the open field. He also played well in the secondary.

Savion Black, 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, LB/RB Milpitas (2015): Black had two nice touchdown runs in the game and complements Canada as a second option in the backfield. Black is the team's second leading rusher and has five rushing touchdowns for the year. The junior will emerge as a prospect to watch next season.