Three-step program keeps Foothill’s playoff addiction alive

Foothill used a three-step program to keep its playoff hopes alive Friday night against Green Valley.

The Falcons (5-3, 3-1 Southwest) relied heavily on a short passing game, big runs from junior Connor Afoa and a stingy defensive effort in a 21-10 defeat of the Gators (3-5, 1-3).

By feeding the Gators a steady diet of wide receiver screen passes, quarterback Parker Riggin completed 16 of 24 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. He threw a 31-yard bomb to Darius Gates, and a 13-yard toss to Kyle Keplinger. At one point, Riggin completed six-straight passes.

Afoa — held to a meager 27 yards in the first half — exploded for 117 in the second, including runs of 22, 34 and 37 yards.

“We talked at halftime about how important the running game was going to be in the second half,” Foothill coach Martin Redmond said. “We knew we could find some gaps in the defense and make some big runs. That opened the passing game for us in a big way.”

The Falcon defense capped off a solid performance when 6-foot, 4-inch F.J. Funtila intercepted a pass from Green Valley quarterback Jordan Corbett and going 33 yards for a score.

“Our defense was outstanding,” said Redmond, whose unit made three fourth-down stops deep in Falcon territory. “They just came out and had a business-like performance. We still have a ways to go, but this win feels pretty good.”

Green Valley, which finished with 290 yards of total offense, was led by Rakeem Griffith’s 106 yards on 20 carries. Griffith also provided the lone Gator touchdown — a seven-yard run late in the third quarter.

Six different Foothill receivers caught passes, led by Tyrel Garner’s five for 77 yards.

The Falcons close the season with games against Basic and Silverado.