Danville, CA - San Ramon Valley quarterback Clark Baker was brought down a yard shy of the end zone on the Wolves' two-point conversion attempt with less than two minutes remaining in the game, allowing De La Salle to hold on for the thrilling 28-27 victory.
Spartans' quarterback Abel Ordaz had given De La Salle a 28-21 lead with five minutes left in the game, on his 44-yard touchdown run up the middle. San Ramon Valley responded, and Baker's short touchdown pass to Jackson Palmer set up the game-deciding two-point conversion.
The game started off with the two sides feeling each other out and a series of punts for both sides. The deadlock was broken when Baker threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Robbie Funkhouser, and the Wolves set the tone for the rest of the game. The Spartans responded with Kairee Robinson’s 80-yard touchdown rush soon after to end the scoring in the first quarter.
The Spartans picked up right where they left off in the second, scoring within the first minute on Robinson’s second touchdown of the evening. SRV would rely on its tough defense to change the tide of the game, and they delivered. Nick Kessler and Ben Hoffman shared a sack, Joey Carrington had an interception, and the defense forced a turnover on downs in their own red zone all in the second quarter.
The Wolves were able to capitalize when Baker threw another touchdown pass to Jack Viani, and tied the game at 14. De La Salle scored first again in the third quarter, relying on their sturdy run game. But the Wolves were able to put together another drive which led to a one-yard touchdown rush by Baker to even the score again at 21.
Entering the fourth quarter the atmosphere was tense, all watching with an eagerness the likes of which these grounds haven’t seen in so many years of Spartan dominance. As De La Salle knelt twice to win the game, there was a feeling of joy and camaraderie throughout the stadium. SRV had lost again to De La Salle, 28-27, but taken a massive step in the right direction for this program.
“That was one of the best high school football games I have ever been a part of,” said San Ramon Valley coach Aaron Becker.
The team was united and tears of joy filled some faces on the Wolves sideline.
“We came into this game knowing we could win," Wolves quarterback Clark Baker said. "I don’t know if anyone else in this circumstance would have believed, but we did and we played our hearts out tonight.”
SRV (4-2) will play Granada (3-2) at home in their next game, while De La Salle (5-1) will take on Foothill.
