SAN RAMON, CA - California used an assortment of big plays on offense and an impenetrable defense to take down visiting Foothill, 35-7, on Saturday night and move on to the North Coast Section Division 1 semifinals. Cal High has now won at least one playoff game in each of the last five seasons, truly becoming the ultimate model for sustained success in the East Bay Athletic League.
“We worked hard all week and it’s a testament to all the coaches and the game plan they put together,” said defensive back and wide receiver Cameron Norfleet.
“It feels great because we get to keep our season alive, which is huge for all these seniors,” said tight end Trevor Leathley. “It’s just a great feeling.”
California wide receiver Brandon Perrilliat paced the offense with two touchdown receptions of 60 and 35 yards.
With seven minutes left to play before halftime, Perrilliat hauled in a pass on a slant route over the middle of the field and proceeded to split the Foothill safeties, taking it 60 yards to the end zone to give Cal a 14-7 lead. This was a major turning point in the game, as the Grizzlies surged in front and never looked back the rest of the way.
“I just ran my route good, did what I was told in practice, and just made the cut and the rest is history,” said Perrilliat.
As the fourth quarter began, Perrilliat made a sensational, over-the-shoulder, diving catch in the corner of the endzone for a 35-yard touchdown, topping off a remarkable night.
“I loved it and it was just fun going out there with my brothers,” said Perrilliat.
The California defense stood their ground for the duration of the game, limiting Foothill to just six first downs, forcing six three-and-out’s, and recovering two fumbles.
“The defense played great and it was big for them to step up because it’s the playoffs and it only gets harder,” said Norfleet. “Defense wins championships.”
Despite grabbing two interceptions and recovering a muffed punt, Foothill was unable to move the ball effectively. They were held to under 60 yards through the air and managed only 70 yards on the ground.
The Grizzlies pulled off an impressive 11-play, 83 yard drive on their first possession and opened the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run by senior Carlos Gomez, his 16th score of the year. The score was set up by a big 18-yard scramble from quarterback Ryan Wright on a 3rd-and-13 play.
Foothill’s only scoring play was set up by a Dillon Shackley interception at the California 12-yard line. The Falcons tied the score at 7-7 on a nine-yard touchdown catch by junior Jake Simons midway through the second quarter.
Following a long 46-yard run by Gomez, California extended its lead to 21-7 on an eight-yard touchdown catch by Leathley, with three minutes left before halftime.
As the third quarter came to a close, Leathley caught a short pass over the middle on fourth down and ran down the sideline for a 46-yard touchdown to put the game away.
“R.J. [Wright] gave me a great pass and I saw an open lane, and just sprinted down the field,” said Leathley.
As the second round approaches next weekend, California will travel to Antioch to take on the No. 2 Panthers, who defeated San Ramon Valley 29-17. The game will be played on Saturday.
