NEWBURY PARK – On a night when Newbury Park High School standout quarterback Brady Smigiel threw the 100th touchdown of his career, the Panthers put together an impressive performance, defeating visiting Millikan 52-15 on Friday.
Smigiel, already under contract with Florida State, completed 21 of 35 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns in a win. He also had 71 rushing yards on 10 carries and two scores, including a 10-yard touchdown to cap the game’s opening drive.
The ever-calm Smigiel threw touchdown passes to Blake Bryce, Shane Rosenthal, Kayin Booker and Alberto Ayon, bringing his career total to 102.
“He’s really committed to preparation,” said Joe Smigiel, Newbury Park coach and Brady’s father. “We talk about how preparation takes away the anxiety and he just wants to go through the game plan. He’s really committed to it and we have a great team around him.”
In addition to forcing multiple turnovers, the Panthers defense also had three interceptions. Rosenthal had two interceptions, including a second-quarter interception that led to a touchdown and helped Newbury Park take a 31-7 halftime lead.
Ayon also had a strong night in the secondary and was able to force a turnover on downs with an interception and a pass breakup.
“But it all starts up front,” Jim Smigiel said. “They had 330-pound guys on the finish line and it was like David versus Goliath. That group was faster than any other group I know of and they all believed we could win that game.”
Bohdie Ing shined at the kicker position. He limited Millikan’s opportunities to return kickoffs, with all but two kickoffs resulting in touchbacks. He also kicked a 31-yard field pass with seven seconds left in the first half and was perfect on seven of seven extra point attempts.
Rookie Jack Shepp left his usual spot as tight end and shone as he helped stabilize an offensive line that was missing several starters due to injury.
“This is a 14-year-old kid who didn’t play on the offensive line for two years and then learned all of our plays in two days,” coach Smigiel said.
Running back Xavier Jones scored on a 46-yard run, while quarterback John Mialovski scored on a 1-yard run for Millikan.
