There is only one more team standing in the way of what has seemed like an inevitable BVAL-Mount Hamilton North title for the Santa Teresa football team. Following a surprisingly one-sided 49-0 win over Pioneer, the Saints (8-1, 4-0) just need to defeat Leigh (4-5, 3-1) to complete an undefeated league season and claim the division title.
Santa Teresa had a battle on its hands in Week 9 in a 35-23 win over Branham, but the matchup with Pioneer in Week 10 was never in doubt. The Saints rolled to a 28-0 halftime lead and completely dominated the Mustangs, holding them to just 21 yards passing on 2-of-15 attempts. Offensively, Santa Teresa once again turned to junior RB Trey Monroe, who ran wild with 231 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Senior QB Salvador Guerrero threw for just 103 yards, but three of his 13 completions went for touchdowns, including a pair to senior Luis Carrillo.
Leigh had a surprisingly difficult time in a 48-34 win over Piedmont Hills, which came into the game having scored just 18 points in three league games. The winless Pirates were led by senior QB John Palomo, who threw for 242 yards and four touchdowns, including three to senior Miles Cervantes, who caught seven passes for 144 yards. Leigh survived in large part due to the play of junior QB Kellan Yoshida, who hit on 17-of-26 passes for 319 yards and four touchdowns. Senior Rocco Huntington caught six passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns for the Longhorns, who will be heavy underdogs in the battle for the title Thursday at Leigh.
In the other Week 10 matchup, Branham improved to 3-1 with a 26-16 win over Leland. Junior QB Andrew Ho connected on 20-of-24 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns – both to senior Jeremia Corey. The Bruins visit Pioneer Friday night.
Live Oak and Christopher will battle for the BVAL-MH South title Thursday in Morgan Hill after both teams posted victories in Week 9. Live Oak got 179 yards rushing and three touchdowns from senior RB Gage Jones in a 47-7 win over Silver Creek, and Christopher’s defense dominated Lincoln 26-0, holding the Lions to 36 yards of total offense.
In the other Week 10 matchup, Willow Glen edged Ann Sobrato 20-18 to snap a two-game losing streak. Senior Declan Meehan threw for 197 yards and three touchdowns to senior Caiden Morefield for the Rams, who visit Lincoln Thursday. Sobrato hosts Silver Creek Saturday afternoon.
Gilroy and Overfelt will battle for the BVAL-Santa Teresa title. The Mustangs improved to 5-0 in the BVAL-ST with a 29-7 win at Westmont. Senior Christian Lacroix led Gilroy with 202 yards passing and three touchdowns, including two to junior Marcus Juarez, who finished with 144 yards on five receptions.
Despite a 37-12 loss to Oak Grove in Week 10, Overfelt still has a shot at a share of the title if it can pull off the massive upset. Oak Grove will host Del Mar in the final weekend; if the Eagles and Royals win, there will be a three-way tie for first. In the other Week 10 result, Gunderson finished its regular season with a 33-16 win over San Jose.
In the BVAL-West Valley, Independence completed a perfect league season with a 36-8 win over Andrew Hill. The Sixers will be off this week in preparation for the CCS playoffs. Andrew Hill finishes 7-3 (4-2 BVAL-WV). In the other Week 10 matchup involving BVAL-WV teams, Yerba Buena took over fourth place with a 6-0 win over Mt. Pleasant. The Aztec Warriors close the regular season at home against winless Evergreen Valley while Mt. Pleasant hosts Prospect.
