Point Loma High School quarterback Ryder Watson completed 91.6 percent of his passes in the second half and tallied 6 total touchdowns on Friday night to lead the Pointers to a 51-14 victory over visiting Scripps Ranch High School.
The dual-threat quarterback’s efficient and explosive evening helped Point Loma push its record to 6-1.
“With our playbook, anyone can get the ball on any play,” Watson said. “We still have a lot to work on, like, executing a bit better and getting some more points on the board early.”
With Scripps Ranch’s defensive backs giving Point Loma’s wideouts nearly seven yards of cushion on every snap in the first half, Watson settled in quickly, hitting Ryan Cleator for a nine-yard touchdown in the first quarter and tight end Graham Murdock on a 13-yard strike in the second to give the Pointers an early 16-6 lead.
Still winless, Scripps Ranch (0-7) gave the Pointers everything they could handle in the first half of Friday’s matchup. Top Falcons wide receiver Jordan Zeller hauled in two first-half scores, which included an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Nolan Cooper to cut Point Loma’s lead to 16-14 heading into the half.
“We just told the guys at the half, ‘relax, they’re not doing anything we haven’t prepared for. Just play what’s in front of you and execute,’” said Point Loma coach Ryan Price.
After the break, Point Loma quickly turned a close game into a blowout, scoring 35 unanswered points in the game’s final 24 minutes.
On the second half’s opening drive, Watson and the Pointers’ offense surgically marched downfield on a six-play, 67-yard scoring drive that was capped by a 31-yard touchdown pass from Watson to junior wide receiver Collin Scott.
“His (Watson’s) timing, delivery and ability to take deep shots have all improved, but it’s really his confidence and how he runs this offense that has taken a big step forward,” said Price.
After its defense forced a turnover on downs, Point Loma’s offense was back in the end zone only five plays later as Watson hit the 6-foot-6 Murdock for his second receiving touchdown of the night on a three-yard fade route, stretching the Pointers’ lead to 30-14.
“When we were watching film this week, we knew they would leave a corner out there, and once they did that, it was automatic,” said Murdock.
“When I looked over and it was a corner and they didn’t double team him, I knew I had to go to him,” said a grinning Watson.
On the final play of the third quarter, Watson called his own number on a 16-yard rushing touchdown— good for his team leading sixth rushing score of the season.
“With his legs, he’s looking to make contact,” Price said with a smile. “He can extend and make plays happen when they’re not there. I’m just so proud of his growth.”