Newbury Park football opens with blowout win over Millikan

NEWBURY PARK – On a night when Newbury Park High School football standout quarterback Brady Smigiel threw his 100th career touchdown, the Panthers used an impressively well-rounded performance as they cruised past visiting Millikan 52-15 on Friday.

Smigiel, who is already committed to Florida State, finished 21 of 35 passing, throwing for 268 yards and four touchdowns in the win. He also added 71 rushing yards on 10 carries. He rushed for a pair of scores, including a 10-yard touchdown to cap the game’s opening drive.

The always-calm Smigiel threw touchdown passes to Blake Bryce, Shane Rosenthal, Kayin Booker and Alberto Ayon, pushing his career total to 102.

“He’s really dedicated himself to preparation,” said Newbury Park coach Joe Smigiel, who is also Brady’s dad. “We talk about how preparation erases anxiety and all he wants to do is go over the game plan. He’s bought all the way in and we have a great cast around him.”

In addition to forcing multiple turnover on downs, the Panthers defense also came away with three interceptions in the win. Rosenthal had two picks including a second-quarter interception for a touchdown that helped send Newbury Park to halftime with a 31-7 lead.

Ayon also had a strong night in the secondary, adding an interception and pass breakup to force a turnover on downs in the win.

“It all starts up front though,” said Jim Smigiel. “They had 330 pound guys across the line and it was like David versus Goliath. This group has gotten close sooner than any group I’ve been around and they all believed we could win this game.”

Bohdie Ing shined from his kicker position. He limited Millikan’s ability to return kickoffs, with all but two kickoffs resulting in touchbacks. He also kicked a 31-yard field with 7 seconds remaining in the first half and was a perfect seven-for-seven on extra point attempts.

Freshman Jack Shepp moved from his normal tight end spot and shined as he helped anchor an offensive line that was missing multiple starters because of injuries.

“That’s a 14-year-old kid who hadn’t played offensive line in two years, and then he learned all of our plays in two days,” said coach Smigiel.

Running back Xavier Jones scored on a 46-yard rush while quarterback John Mialovski scored on a 1-yard sneak for Millikan.