After back-to-back losses late in the regular season, to California and De La Salle, San Ramon Valley needed a big performance against rival Monte Vista to get its confidence and playoff hopes back on track. The Wolves got just that with a 17-10 to conclude the regular season, but had to wait nearly an entire month before facing the Mustangs again, and emerging with a thrilling come-from-behind 21-17 victory.
“Beating Monte Vista twice was certainly exciting, especially because we were never even sure we were going to get play the second time,” said San Ramon Valley coach Aaron Becker. “I think we have grown as a team through the season, and we are better at all aspects now.”
The Wolves certainly showcased their defensive prowess in the North Coast Section Division I semifinals, holding Vintage to an early field goal during a 14-3 victory, despite missing injured star safety Tristan Sinclair. Sinclair, who is committed to Stanford, was injured during the playoff win over Monte Vista. Despite that, veteran defenders such as linebacker Deuce Palmer, end Beau Garratt and defensive back Clay Facteau bring plenty of ability and leadership to the field.
Their challenge in the title game will be a Freedom unit which not only beat San Ramon Valley earlier this season, but has been making big plays all year long. The Falcons trailed 21-0 in their semifinal game against California, who had beaten Freedom during the regular season, but four touchdown passes from senior quarterback Joey Aguilar rallied the Falcons, who then held on for the 35-34 victory when the Grizzlies decided to go for a two-point conversion after a late score.
Aguilar threw for 342 yards and four scores in the first meeting between these teams, back on Sep. 14, with Giles Jackson and Jaimier Parker each hauling in seven catches and going over 100 yards receiving in that game. That game ended in a 37-24 Falcons’ victory.
“The first game told us we were capable of beating (Freedom), if we clean some things up,” Becker said. “We need to be physical with them, because that’s who we are and that’s what we hang our hat on. But we’ve got our hands full.”
Junior Jacob Himan carried the load for the Wolves offensively in their win over Vintage, with Sinclair’s absence, while senior Jason Javier can be a big-play threat out of the backfield. Senior quarterback Brandon Cammisa has been efficient in the post-season, completing 15-of-24 passes in the past two weeks.
“San Ramon Valley is a historic program which is very well coached, physical up front, and they have scrappy playmakers at the skill positions,” said Freedom coach Andy Cotter. “Their defense flies around and gets after people, and they are solid against both the run and the pass, and technically very sound.”
Last year, San Ramon Valley made its appearance in the NCS Open Division, falling to Pittsburg in the semifinals to end the season. This year, playing in Division I, the Wolves have a chance to hang a section championship banner for the first time since 2007, when SRV captured the Division II crown.
Freedom, meanwhile, is playing in its third consecutive title game. The Falcons lost to De La Salle in the Open Division championship in 2016 and were blanked by district rival Liberty in last year’s Division I championship. Freedom is seeking its first-ever section title in football.
The teams play this Saturday night at Heritage. Kickoff is at 7 pm.
