VALLEY CENTER – The first-game jitters were apparent, especially for the new Valley Center offensive line.

“That first series, they were all over the place. I don't think we got one block right,” said Jaguars coach Rob Gilster. “But then we settled down and they started to get it. They started to figure it out.”

It took almost the entire first half and a 13-0 deficit before they did, but eventually the line stiffened and helped the Jaguars to a 37-34 nonleague win last night over visiting San Pasqual.

Quarterback Tyler Bernard erupted for four second-half touchdowns and five for the game, completing 16-of-23 passes for 300 yards.

“First game of the year, trailing 13-0, I'm a little surprised we were able to come back,” Bernard said. “I think this team has shown a lot of maturity. We could have buckled, but we settled down and got the win.”

San Pasqual (0-1) scored the first touchdown of the season in dramatic fashion. Quarterback Eric Bowcock broke through the line on an option keeper, stiff-armed a pair of would-be tacklers, then sprinted 85 yards, picking up a couple of downfield blocks to secure the score.

Running back Joel Jernigan would add a 25-yard score of his own, giving the Eagles a 13-0 lead after the failed PAT. He finished with 153 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns.

San Pasqual controlled the first 23 minutes of the first half. The last minute went to Valley Center (1-0), the defending Division IV champ.

James Johnson caught two big passes in the first half – and only one came from his quarterback.

First, in the closing minutes of the half, he hooked up with Bernard on a 34-yard streak in the corner of the end zone. It was the first look Johnson had gotten all night from his quarterback.

On the ensuing San Pasqual drive, he intercepted Bowcock's pass and returned it to the 17, setting up David Last's 34-yard field goal in the closing seconds of the first half, closing the gap to 13-10 at the half.

Bernard came out slinging in the second half, connecting with tight end Jeremy Dozier, Johnson and David Gould twice for touchdowns.

The first-game rust was obvious for both teams – particularly in the penalties department. The teams shared a stretch of five consecutive plays with penalties in the third quarter.

San Pasqual rallied with 21 fourth-quarter points, but two failed onside kick attempts secured the win for Valley Center.