Kennedy routs Van Nuys its Valley Mission League opener

GRANADA HILLS — Kennedy Cougars football stormed the gates in its 2025 Valley Mission League opener on Friday.

The Cougars dominated both the trenches and the air to secure a 40-10 home victory over the Van Nuys Wolves.

The Kennedy offensive line kept quarterback Diego Montes protected all night, giving the senior plenty of time to rack up over 250 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in just three quarters. Montes credited his line for winning the battle up front, especially sophomore center Trevor Williamson.

“We had like three offensive line starters out, and we still dominated the trenches,” Montes said. “I’m really proud of our guys. Our sophomore [Williamson] was on JV, but got called up to be the starting center for this game. He played amazing.”

The offensive front also paved the way for running backs Josue Sandoval and Zahn Pickett. Sandoval did most of the work early and bulldozed Van Nuys (4-1, 0-1) with over 100 rushing yards in just two quarters of work.

The Cougars (4-1, 1-0) have dealt with several injuries this season, but coach Troy Cassidy said he has been pleased with the team’s depth.

“We’ve battled some injuries this year, basically on a weekly basis,” Cassidy said. “It’s just kind of a bug we have. We miss those guys, but we always talk about the next guy being ready to go and step in. And they were able to do that, and we’re proud of them.”

Pickett entered the game later in the night but quickly picked up one big play after another on his way to 78 yards rushing, all on his first touches of the season.

“It was cool to see Pickett, I think that was his first couple of carries of the year, break some runs,” Cassidy said. “It was very exciting to watch him do that. He might’ve earned himself a little more playing time.”

Montes led four scoring drives in the first quarter alone. The senior quarterback capped off the first drive with a 15-yard rushing score. His first throw of the night came on the third drive when he connected with Francisco Ceja for an 83-yard touchdown pass to go up 20-0.

Kennedy recovered a muffed kickoff on the next play, setting up a scoring drive that ended with Montes hitting sophomore receiver Jayden Carter on a 6-yard touchdown pass. Carter finished with three catches for 45 yards.

The senior quarterback was from Van Nuys’ pass rush most of the night.

“The jersey is pretty clean tonight, I might get them donuts,” Montes said.

The Cougars’ hot start was slowed thanks to some penalties and Van Nuys’ adjustments.

The Wolves settled for a field goal in the first half before finally breaking into the end zone in the fourth quarter. Van Nuys quarterback Carlos Herrera flashed his speed all night and got a score late in the game with an 11-yard touchdown run.

Kennedy’s pass rush was all over Herrera from the get-go, with Kevin Gatewood, James Montes and Jaycoby Carter all adding sacks.

Van Nuys hadn’t lost coming into Friday’s matchup, allowing just one score in each of its last two games. The Wolves will have to wait as the team is still chasing its first victory over Kennedy in 12 years. The Cougars have won 13 consecutive Valley Mission League games.

“We need to be league champs again, and let’s hope that sets us up for a nice playoff run,” Montes said. “We have to take it week by week. One of our quotes is, ‘You can’t go 6-0 if you don’t go blank.’ And so this week goes, ‘You can’t go 6-0 if you don’t go 1-0. We gotta take it week by week. We’re really gonna study film and show off for our homecoming.”

The Wolves have a short week, returning home to host San Fernando next Thursday. The Cougars have a bye and will face Panorama on Oct. 3.

“We’re on a good path, we’re where we want to be,” Cassidy said. “We just want to take it week by week, get healthier, and get going with Panorama, who does a great job over there. They’re coming off their championship last year and they always play tough in the trenches. So we’re looking forward to that battle.”