Wilson has breakout night as Immanuel prevails in opener

Photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna

It didn't matter if Aaron Wilson lined up at tight end, outside linebacker or punter, the senior damaged Dos Palos with his size, hands and powerful right leg for Immanuel-Reedley.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Wilson was a three-way threat in the Eagles' impressive 29-15 victory over the Broncos on Saturday, Aug. 30, at Reedley High's Sal Gonzalez Field. Wilson finished his night with four catches, 92 yards and one touchdown on offense. Defensively, Wilson had five tackles, a 22-yard interception return, one forced fumble and a quarterback hurry. His punts sailed for 121 yards on three attempts, good for an average of 40.3 yards.

Wilson was one of only 21 players who dressed up in shoulder pads for the game, as IHS faced a larger opponent with a roster of 32 on the other sideline. Wilson described the significance of the victory.

"It's big. It's a big time statement. Glory to God on that," Wilson said. "It was hard work that paid off."

Immanuel has faced several questions before the 2014-15 season. The roster depth was one area that was a question mark. Inexperience was another with eight seniors on the IHS roster.  The last issue was how quick IHS could adjust to a new pro set offense after scrapping its no-huddle, Shotgun Wing-T scheme from the last two seasons.

Wilson's play on offense and the Eagles' passing game helped answer those questions in the season opener.

Wilson hauled in two huge consecutive grabs in the third quarter. One catch was good for 23 yards and his next grab stretched for a 41 yard gain.

His touchdown came in the fourth quarter. He was sandwiched between two Dos Palos defenders, jumped for the ball and came down with the catch for 8 yards. 

Immanuel also received a breakout night from junior quarterback Caleb Paulson, who had Dos Palos beat on the play action and threw for three touchdown passes. Seniors Beau Hatch (17 yards) and DayV'aughn Montgomery (12 yards) were the other recipients of Paulson's touchdown throws.