Before Isael Barrow-Salazar had taken his first high school class, he already had his first two high school touchdowns.
The Curie freshman ran for one score and recovered a fumble for another as the Condors cruised to a 42-0 season-opening win against Crane on Aug. 20 at Hanson Stadium.
Senior Malik Horton, now Curie’s No. 1 running back after the graduation of Darius Townsel, ran 12 times for a game-high 105 yards and two touchdowns. Dream Horton’s only carry, a 52-yard reverse, went for a touchdown and Vincent Williams also ran for a score.
The Hortons and Williams were known quantities coming into the season after seeing considerable action last season. Barrow-Salazar, whose first day of school was set to be Aug. 24, won’t be an unknown very long after his impressive debut.
“Definitely a couple nerves coming in,” he said. “A couple scares coming off youth football … coming in second string on varsity, getting my first two touchdowns — it was a great feeling.”
The 5-8, 180-pounder does have plenty of experience in age-group football, having started playing as an eighth grader.
His third carry went for 36 yards and a touchdown, and he finished with seven runs for 55 yards.
“After those first few carries, I definitely started feeling more confident,” Barrow-Salazar said.
He’s an important addition for the Condors, who have a big, experienced offensive line and feature a run-heavy offense. Against Crane, Curie didn’t attempt a pass.
Malik Horton is glad to share the wealth with Barrow-Salazar after being a complementary back to Townsel last season.
“My boy Izzy,” he said with pride. “When I came (into the offseason), I didn’t know who he was. But I know who he is now. Looking like a true running back that can come in when I’m tired. He could produce, so I love it.”
So does coach Jarve Lewis-Bey.
“He was with us all summer,” he said of Barrow-Salazar. “As an (outgoing) eighth grader, he didn’t miss a practice. So we had an opportunity to really see him while Malik was playing basketball all summer. And so he just developed, and we’re glad he did.”
Barrow-Salazar’s second TD on a fumble recovery late in the second quarter was one of several defensive highlights for the Condors. Another was junior linebacker Santiago Valadez getting tackles for loss on two successive plays in the second quarter.
“Today was a great day for the defense,” Malik Horton said.
“I think we played hard,” Lewis-Bey said. “Kids (were) talking too much, but the first time you’re seeing somebody else in the last almost three weeks, you (are) a little touchy.
“You want to hit somebody all aggressive, but we’ve got to stay under control.”