Kevin Yamazaki is one of the smallest running backs on the Westside. He is also one of the most productive.
The 5-foot-6-Yamazaki, who weighs 145 pounds, was the Delphic League offensive player of the year last season. On Saturday afternoon he scored four touchdowns in Brentwood’s 40-14 non-league victory over Tri Cities Christian of Vista.
Following a scoreless first quarter at the picturesque Brentwood setting, Yamazaki broke loose for a 39-yard touchdown run around left end. He quickly followed that with his second touchdown on a 51-yard punt return. And then there was a 24-yard touchdown run from scrimmage.
Yamazaki then returned the second half kickoff for a touchdown before leaving the game with a leg cramp.
When he left, Brentwood had a 27-0 lead. Fullback Chase Bennett then scored on a 51-yard run and backup tailback Emanuel Benton contributed a 10-yard scoring run.
Brentwood improved its record to 2-1. The Eagles will play at Lucerne Valley this Friday and the following week at Malibu.
Early in the game the teams appeared evenly matched. But there wasn’t anyone on the visitors’ defense who could match Yamazaki’s speed.
“We’ve had a lot of outstanding running backs here and he’s right up there with the best,’’ said Patrick Brown, who is in his 27th year at Brentwood.
“He’s very elusive, very shifty. He changes directions very well.
“You’d better bring him down early because you won’t catch him very often in the open field.”A couple of Brentwood graduates are currently playing college football at Division 3 schools. David Kener is at Williams College and Sam Kussin-Shoptaw is at the University of Puget Sound.
