Due to a brawl and subsequent suspensions, tonight’s scheduled opponent, Center (3-3, 0-1), the Hillmen 4-2, 1-0) will be idle again tonight due to the forfeit. Placer will be awarded with a 2-0 victory over the Cougars. The JV will still kick of their PVL campaign tonight against Center, though the game has been pushed back to 6pm instead of the normally scheduled 5:15pm.  The Hillmen will return to action next Friday night for homecoming against Foothill (0-5) at 7:30pm.  To read about how the Varsity squad has been taking advantage of their bye weeks, check out today’s story in the Auburn Journal, which also features a tidbit on former Placer standout alum Eddie Vanderdoes scoring his first touchdown of the season last weekend for the UCLA Bruins.

In years past, it has been the offense that has set the tone for Placer (2-1) to start the season. While the offense once again is putting up points to the tune of 41 points per game, it has been a stingy defense that has been key to the early season success for the Hillmen.

Following the opening season loss to Nevada Union, the defense, which features eight junior starters, has been nothing short of dominant. Placer has limited their last two opponents to 13 points, including a shutout against Pioneer two weeks ago.  The starting unit allowed just 7 of those points and just over 100 yards per contest.

Despite the youth, the defense has made huge strides and come of age quickly this season. The defensive turnaround can be attributed to more physical play and improved tackling.  DL Michael Downen (29 tackles, 1.5 sacks), leads the way, but Jacob Capra, Johnny Capra, Simeon Engle, and Tyler Gums have also played key roles up front for the Hillmen.

The LB corps has seen solid play from Brian Stangland (19 tackles, 2 TFL), Taylor Levesque (22 tackles, 1 TFL), and Josh Matthews (17 tackles, 1 TFL), and Ryan Gray (17 tackles, 2 TFL). Cole Blackwell and Logan Markstein have also made plays for this group.

In the secondary, Ryan Huston (2 INT), and Zack Madrigal (1 INT) have been solid at the corner position. At the safety position, Owen Scott has provided strong physical play for the Hillmen, and Marcus Ante, who picked off his first of the season last week against Sheldon, has showcased his athleticism on several occasions has also played well.

Placer will look to continue their early season success and keep the momentum rolling when they travel to Del Campo tonight to face Rio Americano (0-3). Kickoff is set for 7:30pm. You can  follow us for live in-game scoring updates on Twitter! You can read tonight’s game preview in the Auburn Journal by clicking the link below.

Placer Hillmen look to improve vs. winless Raiders

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2014 Placer Football Schedule

2014 PVL Standings

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After scoring on every possession last week, Placer (2-1) returned to the friendly confines of  LeFebvre Stadium Friday night and continued to light up the scoreboard The Hillmen scored the first five times they touched the ball offensively, thumping Sheldon (1-2) 49-13 to capture their first home victory of the 2014 season.

Following an interception by safety Marcus Ante, RB Cole Blackwell got the offensive barrage rolling, with the first of his two touchdowns on the night, barreling into the end zone for a two-yard touchdown run to put Placer in front 7-0.

One minute into the 2nd quarter, the Hillmen found the end zone again as Clark Pietromonaco hit TE Tyler Gums in the corner of the end zone for an 18-yard touchdown.

Blackwell found pay dirt again from one-yard out to increase the lead to 21-0.

Placer struck for two more quick scores before the half.  RB Anthony Pierce scampered into the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown, and Pietromonaco threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to RB Austin Hess to give the Hillmen a commanding 35-0 halftime lead. Hess also added a 17-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter.

Led by Hess (8 car 89 yds 1 TD) and Pierce (8 car 80 yds 1TD), Placer racked up and impressive 401 rushing yards. Pietromonaco had a good night through the air, passing for 116 yards and 2 TD’s. Hess (4 catches 47 yds 1 TD) and Dom Perez (3 catches 54 yds) were the leading receivers for the Hillmen.

Defensively, Placer’s starting defense turned in another dominating performance against the Huskies, limiting them to just 105 total yards in the first half before emptying the bench in the second half.  Michael Downen (9 tackles 1 TFL .5 Sack) led the charge up front for the Hillmen Zack Madrigal also had an interception, and Brian Stangland, Taylor Levesque, and Owen Scott each delivered big hits for the Placer. Since their opening night loss to Nevada Union, the defense has given up next to nothing, allowing just 13 points in the last eight quarters. Check out the Auburn Journal for video interviews from Pierce, Ante, and head coach Joey Montoya.

Hillmen Thump Sheldon 49-13

PVL Standings

Up-To-Date Season Stats

Placer will travel to Del Campo High School to take on Rio Americano next Friday (9/19) at 7:30 pm.

Frosh/JV Results this Week:

Frosh: Placer 28, Las Plumas 6 The Frosh are 2-1 on the season

JV: Placer 31, Sheldon 6 The JV are 2-1 on the season

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