Coming into the week at 5-2 in the home stretch of their schedule, La Jolla was looking to avoid a potential trap game against 4-3 Francis Parker, a team they would be heavily favored against. 

Last Friday night, that trap game was avoided as the Vikings took care of business against the Lancers, defeating them 44-14 and moving their record to 6-2. 

“The conversation all week with our guys was about maintaining focus,” said La Jolla coach Tyler Roach. “It’s never about who you play but how you play; you have to respect your opponent. It was a bit of  a slow start on defense, but the guys’ things tightened down; it was good to get in there and get out with a win.”  

Quarterback Hudson Smith would piece together an explosive night for the Vikings. The sophomore completed 82.5% of his passes and threw for 343 yards and two touchdowns in the win. 

“Hudson played with a lot of poise,” Roach said. “Parker is a good team, and they were mixing up coverages and blitz packages. So it was a good game for Hudson to settle in and trust his eyes and his keys. He delivered some good balls, and hopefully, it gave him good momentum heading into the next few weeks.” 

Smith’s favorite target was senior Kai Fukuda. The ever-versatile Fukuda would have possibly his most dominant night as Viking, hauling in six passes for 138 yards and a score. 

“Kia has been a dynamic guy in our offense the last couple of years,” Roach said. “He has always gone about his business and done whatever is asked of him. We were down Carson and Andre, so this was his game to be the true focal point No.1 receiver, and he took advantage of that opportunity.” 

With the Vikings’ offense humming, the defense would turn into a solid showing. The Vikings would hold Francis Parker to 292 yards of total offense, 91 of which would come on a single run. 

The Vikings’ defense continued to create turnovers with their secondary. Even without Carson Diehl at safety and down their two starting cornerbacks, the Vikings would come away with two interceptions. 

Star strong safety Ryan Kestler grabbed one, while freshman Aidan Farrell also got an INT. The secondary’s ability to create turnovers was not only key Friday night but will be paramount as they hit the home stretch of the season. 

“Defensively speaking, our ability to create turnovers is the biggest strength on defense,” said Roach. “The depth we have in our secondary, the playmakers, and the ability to take the ball away. It just puts a little bit of an in that opposing offense when they wanna drop back and pass.” 

At 6-2, La Jolla will turn its attention to crosstown rival Point Loma and their annual battle for “The Shoe.” Kickoff for the game will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25 at La Jolla High School.