Junior quarterback Zachary Benitez turned in an outstanding performance, throwing for a school-record 456 yards and four touchdowns to lead the No. 4 Granite Hills Eagles to a decisive 45-29 season-opening win over the visiting Oceanside Pirates on Friday night.
Despite the historic personal performance, which included 38 completions (another team record), Benitez was already looking ahead moments after the final whistle.
“It's only week one,” Benitez said. “We got the dub. We're going to move on.”
Benitez spread the wealth, connecting with multiple receivers. Senior Tristan Diaz was his primary target, hauling in a game-high 14 catches (ties school record) for 113 yards. Junior Zhedan Smith added six receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown, while DJ Wilkins (55 yards), Emilio Vera, and Elijah Arzu also caught scoring passes. Junior Eurijah Schutza complemented the aerial attack by punching in two rushing touchdowns.
The Pirates refused to go quietly, mounting a strong second-half push led by two-way standout Kymani Nua. The senior was a force on both sides of the ball, catching five passes for 112 yards and a touchdown and also contributing on defense. The comeback effort was sparked by sophomore SJ Pournele, who electrified the Pirates with a 53-yard kickoff return as part of his 236 all-purpose yards. His efforts, along with rushing touchdowns from Mykah Faletoi and Neke Letuli, helped Oceanside cut a large Granite Hills lead to 16 points.
A major question heading into the season was how the Eagles would reload after graduating key players. For Benitez, the answer to his big night started up front.
“We lost a lot of big pieces for sure,” he acknowledged. “But our main pieces right now is my O-line. They gave me a lot of time in the pocket today.”
That protection allowed Benitez to efficiently distribute the ball to his new group of playmakers. Benitez expressed excitement about his receivers, including Wilkins, Noah Walker, and Rocket Demery, who stepped up to fill critical roles. Walker, a transfer from Grossmont, made two explosive plays, including a 73-yard reception on the first play from scrimmage, before leaving the game with an ankle injury.
With a potent offense that amassed 588 total yards firing on all cylinders, the team’s sights are set on the ultimate prize. For Benitez, anything less than a state championship will be a disappointment after coming up short in his first two seasons.
“That's the main goal,” Benitez stated emphatically. “I got to get state this year.”
The Eagles (1-0) will now turn their focus to a Week 2 matchup against Mater Dei Catholic, while Oceanside (0-1) travels to face Carlsbad.
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