The Golden Valley Grizzlies reached a perfect 5-0 to start the season for the first time in program history Friday night behind a six touchdown performance from senior running back Jonathan Kaelin.

“It feels really good, like, really good,” said Kaelin. “We’re ready for league.”

The Grizzlies got out to a big lead in the first quarter and never looked back, ultimately securing the win by a score of 55-27.

After a three and out on the opening possession of the game by Golden Valley their defense quickly got them the ball back and that’s when the Grizzlies found what would work for their offense all night, the run game.

That drive featured three Christopher Alcantar runs for 21 yards followed by three Jonathan Kaelin runs for 30 yards and the first score of the game with 7:14 remaining in the first quarter to make it 7-0.

Golden Valley’s offense proceeded to find the end zone on four consecutive drives in the first half to jump out to 41-20.

Those drives featured a steady diet of Jonathan Kaelin runs, who was able to power through tackles, make great cuts and use his vision to find the open lanes all night to the tune of 28 carries for 370 yards and six touchdowns.

“He really works well with the offensive line, we’re big and quick up front and he’s big and quick in the backfield so I think it’s a good mix,” said Golden Valley Head Coach Dan Kelley. “And the style that we’re running, we designed it for him.”

Kaelin scored five in the first half alone, physically imposing his will on the Newbury Park defense.

He was able to rip off some long runs throughout the night with a 67 and 58 yard scoring run in the first and second half, respectively.

Kaelin would’ve had a 95 yard score late in the fourth on what ended up being the Grizzlies final drive of the game, but it was called back on a block in the back penalty away from the play.

The Grizzlies’ great ground game also opened up their offense to take some shots deep throughout the game.

Junior wide receiver Mahdi Bey found a seam and connected with his quarterback for a 62 yard touchdown reception with 4:58 in the first quarter, the Grizzlies second score of the game.

Another deep shot came in the third quarter when quarterback Luke McCoy found Mekhile Newton streaming up the sideline for a 38 yard completion that McCoy punched in three plays later on a seven yard QB keeper rolling right.

The defense was stout throughout the night, with Newbury Park’s most effective plays coming on screens and occasional shots deep that beat the Grizzlies over the top.

With a program best 5-0 start, eyes now look to the Foothill League and what may be possible for this Grizzlies team.

“It’s a special group of kids, they stay focused,” Kelley said. “Because our whole vision is the big picture and the big picture is the Foothill League, and we’re going to have our work cut out for us this year and it starts with West Ranch this week.”

Golden Valley now begins preparations for a battle of the Foothill League’s undefeated when they open up league play Friday at home against West Ranch.

To see all the scores from Friday’s games, check out our weekly scores post.

KHTS Sports is your place for the 2019 Santa Clarita high school football season and your Santa Clarita Dodgers coverage. Find all the latest news and updates on your hometown schools here as they compete in the Foothill League, Heritage League, Western State Conference and GSAC.