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.<\/p>\n
The dual-threat quarterback\u2019s efficient and explosive evening helped Point Loma push its record to 6-1.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith our playbook, anyone can get the ball on any play,\u201d Watson said. \u201cWe still have a lot to work on, like, executing a bit better and getting some more points on the board early.\u201d<\/p>\n
With Scripps Ranch\u2019s defensive backs giving Point Loma\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Still winless, Scripps Ranch (0-7) gave the Pointers everything they could handle in the first half of Friday\u2019s 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\u2019s lead to 16-14 heading into the half.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just told the guys at the half, \u2018relax, they\u2019re not doing anything we haven\u2019t prepared for. Just play what\u2019s in front of you and execute,\u2019\u201d said Point Loma coach Ryan Price.<\/p>\n
After the break, Point Loma quickly turned a close game into a blowout, scoring 35 unanswered points in the game\u2019s final 24 minutes.<\/p>\n
On the second half\u2019s opening drive, Watson and the Pointers\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis (Watson\u2019s) timing, delivery and ability to take deep shots have all improved, but it\u2019s really his confidence and how he runs this offense that has taken a big step forward,\u201d said Price.<\/p>\n
After its defense forced a turnover on downs, Point Loma\u2019s 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\u2019 lead to 30-14.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we were watching film this week, we knew they would leave a corner out there, and once they did that, it was automatic,\u201d said Murdock.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I looked over and it was a corner and they didn\u2019t double team him, I knew I had to go to him,\u201d said a grinning Watson.<\/p>\n
On the final play of the third quarter, Watson called his own number on a 16-yard rushing touchdown\u2014 good for his team leading sixth rushing score of the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith his legs, he\u2019s looking to make contact,\u201d Price said with a smile. \u201cHe can extend and make plays happen when they\u2019re not there. I\u2019m just so proud of his growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
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