Santa Clarita, CA – Friday Night Lights at College of the Canyons, The Hart Hawks weathered
a late Golden Valley Grizzlies surge to secure a 40-28 victory in a thrilling contest defined by
explosive plays, key defensive stops, and standout individual performances.
Hart came out firing on their opening possession, methodically marching down the field behind
quarterback Jacob Paisano (#2) and running back Matix Frithsmith (#4). The drive was capped
by a touchdown pass to #16, giving Hart an early 7-0 lead. Golden Valley’s offense struggled to
gain momentum against a swarming Hart defense, forcing an early punt. Though Hart’s next
drive featured a big pass to (#22) Josh Rogozik, it stalled due to penalties and pressure from
GV’s (#8) Nasir Choudhury.
Golden Valley quarterback Jayce Johnson (#7) began to find rhythm at the end of the first
quarter, and a strong ground attack led to a touchdown by (#12) Derek Guevara to tie the game
at 7-7. Hart responded immediately — Frithsmith broke off a 20+ yard run and finished the drive
with a rushing touchdown. After a sack by Hart’s(#47) Josh Witson halted GV’s next series,
Frithsmith found the end zone again to put Hart up 20-7.
Golden Valley had one more chance before halftime but couldn’t capitalize, and a sack by Hart’s
Kadin Saalih (#18) ended the half with the Hawks in control.
The second half opened disastrously for Golden Valley, losing 22 yards on their first possession
due to a fumbled snap and strong Hart containment. Paisano struck again with a touchdown
pass to (#10) Michael Toner, extending the lead to 26-7. GV managed to claw back with a
read-option touchdown by Johnson following an interception, but Hart answered with another
Frithsmith score, making it 33-14.
Golden Valley showed resilience in the fourth, converting multiple fourth downs. Johnson found
(#1) Ace Frias, for a touchdown and later punched in another himself after a long pass to (#35)
Andrew Markovich, set them up in the red zone, cutting the deficit to 33-28. But just as
momentum swung, Hart’s Bailey Hill (#19) returned the ensuing onside kick for a back-breaking
touchdown.
Hart’s defense clamped down in the final minutes, with sacks by (#47) Josh Whitson and
back-to-back stops ending Golden Valley’s comeback hopes. A final botched snap by GV sealed
the win as Hart ran out the clock.
Player of the Game
POTG honors went to Matix Frithsmith, who tallied multiple touchdowns and
countless tough yards on the ground.
Paisano, Saalih, and Hill were also key contributors for Hart.
For Golden Valley, Johnson and wideout Frias kept Golden Valley competitive until the final
whistle.
Hart improves with a statement win, showing poise, explosiveness, and defensive grit when it
mattered most.
Hart improves to 4-2 on the season heading to West Ranch (10/3) Next Friday; looking to
continue their hot streak
Golden Valley falls to 2-4 going back home to play Castaic (10/2) Next Thursday
Ivan Lopez is a San Fernando Valley based reporter with passion in journalism and public speaking based through high school sports. Focusing on player interviews, capturing the emotion that comes with every win and achievement. While being new to sports journalism, Ivan has a deep understanding in presenting in front of different varieties of audiences. Every new project is a new experience for Ivan; being able to adapt when getting thrown into the deep end allows him to capture the importance of each player through first contact and their respective interview.
