This week in the Sac-Joaquin Section was all about favorites getting strong tests but prevailing, as Folsom, Grant and Napa all escaped upset bids. Placer and Antelope took full control of their own league races and River Valley and Yuba City have an all-time game in Yuba City
Placer 26 Bear River 14
In a battle of undefeated teams and with at least a share of the Pioneer Valley League title up for grabs, two late fourth quarter touchdowns propelled Placer to victory over rivals Bear River. The Hillman dominated time of possession in the fourth quarter only allowing the Bruins to run five plays in the final and deciding quarter. Placer was led by strong rushing performances by Jared Halbert of 156 yards and Owen Scott with 74 yards adding two scores. The now solo league leaders from Auburn can clinch the PVL this week if they beat Lincoln at home.
Folsom 28 Rocklin 14
Rocklin gave Folsom a scare Thursday night leading halfway through the second quarter 14-7, but the Bulldogs would bring their state leading consecutive games streak to 24 holding the Thunder to zero second half points. With this victory Folsom and Oak Ridge are on a collision course for the Sierra Foothill League title, the Bulldogs and Trojans will meet next week in El Dorado Hills to determine the outright league champion.
Grant 21 Sheldon 20
In what could have been the biggest upset of the year, Grant had to blocked a 35-yard field goal as time expired to escape a 2-6 Sheldon team. The Pacers were led by the running combo of DeShawn Collins and Mike Green -- the senior tandem combined for 363 yards and two touchdowns. It was a special night for Grant High as before the game the field was named after current coach Mike Alberghini, who has led the team to over 250 wins.
Antelope 27 Del Campo 20
Antelope used a gutsy trick play to beat Del Campo in a battle of top teams in the Capital Valley Conference. With three minutes left and the scored tied 20-20 coach Matt Ray brought out a play both his father and grandfather used in their coaching days -- a double pass. The Titans were on the Del Campo 22-yard line on fourth and goal and quarterback Montel Aaron threw a lateral disguised as a pass to wide receiver Davaeon Johnson who then threw the pass to an open Ryan McCombs for the score.
Napa 28 Vacaville 21
After beating Wood last week, the only thing in the way for Napa on their way to a Monticello Empire League title was a showdown with league rivals Vacaville. With less than five minutes to go Vacaville led 21-13, Napa marched down the field and scored on a Nathan Toma 9-yard run with two minutes to go. The Indians quickly forced a three and out and got the ball back. In less than a minute Napa put together a three play drive and scored on a quarterback Cal Bard 17-yard pass to Alex Perez DeLeon. Napa now only needs to win one more game to clinch the MEL title.
River Valley 31 Yuba City 29
The 10th annual Mayor's Cup between River Valley and Yuba City was a thriller, with River Valley clinching the game on a win or lose 28-yard field goal by junior Kyle Williams as time expired. Clarence Pierson led the way for the visiting Falcons rushing for 133 yards and scoring four touchdowns on the evening, three rushing and one receiving. The Falcons outgained the Honkers of Yuba City 421 to 261, using a balanced speed attack. The loss to Inderkum last week means River Valley will need some outside help to win the Tri-County Conference but the Falcons should be a decent playoff seed in Division 2.
