Vaqueros ride interceptions, defense to big win against West Oso

In a tight game early, it was San Diego's defensive prowess that turned the tide at West Oso's Bear Stadium.

Jason Salinas' tip-drill interception was the first of four Vaqueros interceptions in San Diego's 50-12 win over West Oso on Friday.

It set up the first of three total touchdowns by San Diego freshman Nick Luera.

Combined with Jayden Lozano's two rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns, the Vaqueros broke the game open with a 21-point surge in the third quarter to put the Bears away.

Friday's highlights

Salinas' interception of West Oso's Devin Martinez caromed off a Bears receiver, gifting the Vaqueros good field position for their second drive, eventually a Luera touchdown run.

West Oso answered immediately on a 68-yard bomb from Martinez to Dashawn Trimble, but the San Diego defense tightened, pitching a shutout in the second and third quarters, including interceptions from Andres Lopez, Gage Terrazas and a pick-6 from Michael Salaiz.

The Vaqueros defense gave the offense manageable fields to work with as Lozano and Luera went to work on the ground combining for 200 of the team's 282 rushing yards.

Friday's stars

Luera finished with 15 carries for 140 yards and two touchdowns, adding five receptions for 33 yards and another score.

Lozano threw for 128 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 60 yards and two scores to lead San Diego.

The Vaqueros limited West Oso to 160 yards total — including 13 after half.

West Oso struggled to regain momentum after senior leader Christopher Leyba was injured and taken from the field in an ambulance in the second quarter.

Trimble's 68 yard touchdown reception paced Oso, as Martinez threw for 141 yards. West Oso's other score came on a long kickoff return from Robert Romero late in the fourth quarter.

They said it

West Oso head coach Kenneth Johnson on the difference Friday: "The injury was a big part of it, but (San Diego) was very physical. I think that shocked our guys. We are going to get to the drawing board and come back. We are learning, but we have to match the physicality."

San Diego head coach Bo Ochoa on what clicked for the Vaqueros in the second half: "When we get turnovers, we want the offense to answer too. I called a timeout to tell the guys 'the defense got a turnover, we need to start putting points on the board.' Our O-Line did a great job against their defense."

More: A recap and roundup of Week 3 of high school football in Corpus Christi, Coastal Bend

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: High school football: Defense leads San Diego to win over West Oso