SANTA CLARITA — Hart football’s defense controlled the game Friday night, while running back Matix Frithsmith scored three touchdowns to lead Hart (1-0) to a 20-0 victory over Birmingham (0-1) at College of the Canyons.
Playing in front of a student section that was nearly full before kickoff and filled during the first quarter, Hart wasted little time taking control.
Frithsmith returned the opening kickoff to midfield and accounted for all 50 yards on Hart’s first possession, capping the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run for a 7-0 lead.
The senior credited his teammates after the win.
“Couldn’t do it without any of the guys behind me, and the offensive line did great opening up those holes for me,” Frithsmith said.
Hart’s offense stalled at times, but its defense was there to carry the load. The defensive front sacked Birmingham junior quarterback Daniel Kakooza three times by midway through the first quarter and kept him uncomfortable throughout the game.
Kakooza connected with senior wide receiver Paul Turner on a deep pass for about 40 yards but otherwise struggled to find a rhythm.
The quarterback competition between Kakooza and freshman Exavier Johnson was something to watch entering the game. Kakooza got the start, while Johnson also saw time and ran several read-option plays. Kakooza handled most of the snaps.
Birmingham coach Jim Rose kept the loss in perspective.
“That’s why you play your first game. You never know until you do it so you can see your deficiencies and everything,” Rose said.
“But the good thing is, it’s only week one. … It’s starting. That was step one. We didn’t have to win today to win a championship. We have to win in October and November. I’m not happy by any means, but we’re going to get better.”
Rose also pointed to areas in which Birmingham needs to improve.
“I think Kakooza, I think he held the ball too long. We got loss of yardage. Twice we got taken out of field goal range, so we have to work on that too, more situational things at practice so that can be my fault. We can blame that one on me.”
Hart coach Jake Goossen-Brown was pleased with his defense.
“We always knew our D-line would be one of our strengths and we have great players, Gabriel Degl’Innocenti, Dylan Monterrosa, Matai (Kaisa) and Kadin Saalih. We knew they were being strong up there. So it’s great to see them come out and perform the way we thought they would and be an anchor and strength on that defense,” he said.
Frithsmith scored his second touchdown late in the second quarter on a 4-yard run to give Hart a 14-0 halftime lead.
He capped his night with a 28-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, finishing with more than 100 rushing yards.
Goossen-Brown also praised junior quarterback Camren Ketner, who made his first varsity start and contributed with both scrambles and designed runs.
Goossen-Brown said Ketner’s dual-threat ability will continue to be part of the offense.
“100%,” he said. “He’s a great athlete so we’re gonna utilize the skill set that he has to put us on another level.”
Birmingham has a bye next week, while Hart will travel to Newbury Park.
Frithsmith kept his mindset simple after opening his senior season with a victory.
“We got a lot of talent on this team and we’re ready to go 1-0 next week,” he said.