GRANADA HILLS — The Birmingham High football team leaned on its top playmaker to lead it past Granada Hills at John Elway Stadium on Friday night.
Senior star Peyton Waters shined, pulling in a touchdown as part of a seven-catch night while pacing the Patriots in their West Valley League opener.
“Peyton is Peyton,” said Birmingham coach Jim Rose. “This is the third year he’s proven how good he is. We can’t expect that all the time but we kind of do expect that out of him. If the ball’s around him we expect him to make the catch.”
Waters, a Washington commit, ignited the offense in the first half. On both of the Patriots scoring drives, he kept drives alive by converting fourth down plays to keep the offense on the field.
He gave Birmingham a 14-point lead late in the second quarter when he scored on a fourth down play – his second conversion of the drive. He pulled in the score after senior quarterback Javen Hall eluded defenders before hitting Waters along the sideline on the 6-yard touchdown.
“Teams have to account for Peyton,” said Rose. “It opens other things. Jalen Hall stepped in tonight and did an outstanding job. He did a great job. He kept drives going with his feet. He keeps plays alive so that Peyton could get open.”
Hall added a pair of rushing scores in the win. He scored from 15 yards out to get the Patriots (4-2, 1-0 West Valley) on the board in the first quarter and added a 1-yard score in the fourth.
Classmate Jacy Olivia chipped with a 39-yard field goal in the win while the entire defensive line played well in the shutout for Birmingham.
“They did their job,” said Rose. “They executed. They didn’t fly up the field. They did their assignment. That kind of offense is almost like old, option football. If you do your assignment, you’re fine and we were tonight.”
The defense was anchored by linemen Christian Flowers, Bo Tonga, Nick Tonga, Maynor Morales, Andy Bailon, Alexander Cedano and Abdoni Ubeda.
Defensive back Antrell Harris Jr. added a scoop and score fumble recovery touchdown from 16 yards out to help secure the victory for the Patriots.
