Going on the road is never easy, especially in the playoffs.

However, No. 4 Poway was able to control the game offensively, defensively and on special teams to pull off a 63-27 upset victory over top-seeded University City in the CIF-San Diego Section Division 2 semifinals Friday night.

“Real proud of the City of Poway, proud for our high school,” Titans first-year head coach Brandon Harris said. “It feels great. I’m happy for our players. We dominated that game in all three phases. I can’t say enough about our entire coaching staff who did a great job today.”

The Titans (5-7) got 215 rushing yards overall on 23 carries compared to just eight passes. Junior Luke Jorgensen had 15 carries for 165 yards and four touchdowns to pace the offense.

Jorgensen said the rushing production is a testament to the offensive line opening up holes or setting the edge.

“Without them, nothing else could have happened,” Jorgensen said. “They’re the secret ingredient to our entire offense. With them playing their tails off and having such a great game, it allowed everything else to open up. I give them all the credit.”

The junior running back opened the scoring with a 9-yard touchdown run by breaking a couple tackles.

Then it was the defense’s turn.

Centurions junior quarterback Quentyn DeMara, who completed 19 of 35 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns, threw his first of two interceptions on the team’s second offensive possession. Poway junior Eli Alsop caught DeMara’s third-down pass and ran it in for a 22-yard pick-6 to take an early 14-0 lead.

After Poway took advantage on a bad snap on a Centurions punt, Titans senior Peter Wiedeman scored a 1-yard touchdown run to take a 20-0 lead.

University City answered back with a nine-play, 87-yard drive that included converting a fourth-and-2 from their own 21-yard line and completing two passes for 28 and 45 yards, respectively. The latter set up first-and-goal and Centurions senior Nakeem Jones punched it in for the 2-yard score to get some momentum.

However, Poway immediately responded back as senior Colin McCann took the ensuing kickoff for a 98-yard touchdown.

“We have a saying, ‘Put the ball down,’ ” Harris said. “Doesn’t matter what happens, put the ball down. And so, we put the ball down. He got the ball and responded, which we always tell our guys, you got to respond. And he did.”

Poway’s energy continued as they scored touchdowns on the final possession of the first half and the opening drive of the third quarter.

McCann capped off the opening drive to start the second half with a 29-yard touchdown reception from senior Ty Hurst on fourth-and-10.

Leading the way for University City (10-2) was senior Dreyden Garner, who recorded six receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns. He caught two passes for 50 and 46 yards, respectively, as the latter went for a touchdown with 2:14 left in the second quarter.

Next week, No. 4 Poway moves on to the CIF-SDS Div. 2 championship game Friday at Southwestern College. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. and the Titans will face No. 2 Mater Dei, which defeated No. 3 Helix on Friday.

Originally Published: November 22, 2024 at 11:04 PM PST