Kennedy can’t hold off Valencia

Kennedy High held a 13-10 halftime lead but could not hang on as Valencia rallied in the second half for a 24-13 Empire League victory in the league opener for both team on Saturday at Western High.

Kennedy High held a 13-10 halftime lead but could not hang on as Valencia rallied in the second half for a 24-13 Empire League victory in the league opener for both team on Saturday at Western High.

Senior running back Darius Miles rushed for 100 yards to lead the Fighting Irish offense. Senior quarterback Taylor Elliott threw for 126 yards and also ran in for a 1-yard touchdown late in the second quarter to give the Fighting Irish the halftime lead. Kennedy (1-4, 0-1) had two big plays to set up the Taylor Elliott touchdown.

Kennedy will take on Pacifica on Friday at 7 p.m. at Garden Grove High School. It will be the league opener for the Mariners (2-2) who are coming off a 21-6 win over Costa Mesa on Friday.

Mariner quarterback Nick Howard has thrown for 701 yards and 10 touchdowns this season and the Mariners have two solid running backs in Michael Gehres and Avery Watson. Miles has highlighted the Kennedy offense so far this season with 424 rushing yards and five touchdowns.