The Bond of Brotherhood Shines in Trailblazer Victory
SC Bounces Back with Big Win
By: Chloe LaBelle, SCSN Staff Writer
September 1, 2017
On a blazing-hot Friday night in Granada Hills, the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers (1-1) hammered the Buena Bulldogs (0-2) 42-15, to even their record at 1-1. The victory was a nice bounce-back win for Sierra Canyon after suffering a tough 25-7 loss to the Westlake Warriors in their first game of the season.
Even though this was the Trailblazer’s first win of the season, the truly special part of the night belonged to brothers JJ and JD Hernandez. Each of them scored a TD to honor their brother Kaizer.
JJ Hernandez, a junior, is one of the Trailblazers’ top receivers and JD Hernandez, a sophomore, is a part of the rotation at running back and one of the premiere linebackers in the region. JJ caught a 56 yard touchdown pass and JD rushed for a two yard touchdown in the victory over the Bulldogs.
Together, the Hernandez brothers had more than a win to play for. They wanted to honor their brother Kaizer, a Sierra Canyon alum who also played for the Trailblazers, who is very sick and in the hospital.
“I dedicated every play today to him,” said JD. “Especially my touchdown, my touchdown was something special.”
“Our bond is something amazing,” added JJ showing how close they are as brothers, “It is something that will never be broken.”
It was clear from their excitement after the game that they were proud that they had played so well for the team and their brother, who was always on their minds.
The Trailblazers offense started to click with several big plays and they cut down their turnovers from seven last week to committing just one against the Bulldogs.
“The team went back to basics and physical play,” said Coach Jon Ellinghouse. “We found some kids that really stepped-up and became leaders.”
The Trailblazers indeed looked more in-sync as Corey Jones caught two passes for thirty-plus yards from quarterback Johnny Hawkins and also added two rushing touchdowns to cap his amazing evening.
The Trailblazers’ offense heated up, just like the turf at kick-off at Granada Hills Charter High School. However, it was the bond of the Hernandez brothers that made the victory so sweet. Get well, Kaizer!
Offensive Stars of the Game: Johnny Hawkins, QB Jr. #15 (9-13, 172 YDS, 1 TD); Chayden Peery, QB Fr. #8 (6-7, 76 YDS, 1 TD (rush)); JJ Hernandez, WR Jr. #3 (6 catches for 120 YDS and 1 TD, 25 YDS rushing); Corey Jones, RB Jr. #5 (3 catches for 83 YDS, 22 YDS rushing for 2 TDs); and Hunter Williams, RB So. #21 (16 carries for 114 YDS).
Defensive Stars of the Game: Chris Cannon, DL Sr. #52 (recorded a sack and recovered a fumble) and Josh Roca, DL Jr. #57 (recovered a fumble).