LIVERMORE, CA - San Ramon Valley (3-1, 2-1 EBAL) came out on top in a battle of defenses, defeating the Livermore Cowboys (2-2, 0-2) by a score of 17-6 Friday night.
Led by a strong running game, featuring senior running back Billy Barsi, and junior running back Ern Lageson, the Wolves managed to survive against the Cowboys. Both running backs scored the only two touchdowns of the night, as SRV's usually potent air attack was stifled throughout the night.
Livermore relied solely on the ground game, running workhorse senior running back Domnic Range early and often. In the first quarter, both offenses got off of to a slow start, as the Wolves punted the ball on their first possession and Livermore managed a 28-yard Jeremy Theobald field goal for an early 3-0 lead.
In the second quarter, Livermore’s offense was threatening to score deep in Wolves territory. However after a 15 yard sack and false start, Livermore was forced to settle for a field goal, and Theobald nailed another 28-yarder for a 6-0 Cowboys lead. After two more punts, San Ramon managed to score after converting a crucial fourth-and-four, which led to a Barsi two-yard touchdown run that put the Wolves ahead with 1:19 left in the half, 7-6.
The third quarter featured no scoring from either team, as both defenses figured out their opponents run game. However, SRV managed to put two scoring drives together in the fourth quarter, extending their lead to 17-6. The Wolves scored a 33 yard field goal courtesy of senior kicker Johan Zetterberg, and then finished the ensuing drive thanks to an impressive tackle-breaking 17-yard touchdown run from Lageson.
Senior defensive back Joey Carrington picked up a late interception for the Wolves' defense to help seal the victory.
“The key to tonight’s game was staying strong through our early struggles," Lageson said. "We had some up and downs, but we had our senior leaders lead us to victory.”
SRV plays at Amador Valley next week, while Livermore stays home against Dougherty Valley.
