PATTERSON,CA--Patterson's defense proved strong, lifting the the Tigers to a 40-22 win over Vista del Lago to advance the team to the semifinals for the first time in seven years.
Patterson led 26-14 entering the fourth quarter, but pulled away when Gabe Sanchez threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Joe Okitukunda. Nate Garcia then closed out Patterson's scoring, rushing in for a six yard touchdown.
Vista del Lago's final score came late in the quarter, as Dominick Norris rushed in for a three yard score, but it would be too little to make a move in the game as Patterson took the 40-22 win advancing to the semifinals to face their next opponent, perennial power Oakdale.
Sanchez put up the very first points of the game on a nine-yard pass to Phabian Threadgill to close the first quarter out.
The second quarter drew tensions on both sides of the field as both teams fought for much needed points. Kendrick Bond started the quarter off by scoring a two yard rushing touchdown for Patterson to extend their lead.
Vista del Lago responded for the very first time in the game with a Grant Patterson 10 yard pass to Chad Wilson to put the very first points on the board for the team. But Patterson High closed the quarter out with a Threadgill 44-yard rushing touchdown to make the score 20-8 heading into the half.
A quiet third quarter found life in the final 21 seconds, beginning with a 20 yard touchdown pass from Sanchez to James Perez.Vista del Lago responded instantly 18 seconds later, when Norris scored from two yards out.
“We knew coming in that we were very capable of getting the win" said Threadgill. "A lot of people doubted us throughout the season and we are about to prove them wrong next week."
“We had a great season and a great run in the playoffs" said Brendan Pugh "It's unfortunate we weren't able to come away with the win but I am very thankful I was able to play with such great teammates."
“Im proud the way we battled out throughout the season it's sad to see these guys take the loss when they worked so hard throughout the season" said Patterson assistant coach Dory Sidha. "We had a great team of guys this season one of em being the top rusher in the section it's really special to have that in our program."
“We came in the postseason with the goal of reaching the semifinals and sure enough the guys worked hard and very muched earned the win tonight" said Vista del Lago coach Mike Struebing. "Our defense played well today we got Oakdale next and were looking to look and see what we can do to reach the next step."
BOX SCORE
VISTA DEL LAGO 22, PATTERSON 40
At Patterson High
Vista del Lago 0 8 6 7-- 22
Patterson 6 14 7 13 -- 40
First Quarter
P-Gabe Sanchez 9 yard touchdown pass to Phabian Threadgill(PAT No Good by Allen Godinez),4:05
Second Quarter
P-Kendrick Bond 2 yard rushing touchdown(PAT Good by Allen Godinez),8:56
V-Grant Patterson 10 yard touchdown pass to Chad Wilson(2 Point Pass Conversion Good),6:38
P-Phabian Threadgill 44 yard rushing touchdown(PAT Good by Allen Godinez),4:56
Third Quarter
P-Gabe Sanchez 20 yard touchdown pass to James Perez(PAT good by Allen Godinez),21.7
V-Dominick Norris 2 yard rushing touchdown(2 Point Pass Conversion No Good),0.3
Fourth Quarter
P-Gabe Sanchez 33 yard pass to Joe Okitukunda(PAT Good by Allen Godinez),9:56
P-Nate Garcia 6 yard rushing touchdown(PAT No Good by Allen Godinez),4:40
V-Dominick Norris 3 yard rushing touchdown(2 Point Pass Conversion Good),.55
Division III Round 2 Results
#1 Oakdale 41 Vs #9 Vanden 16
#4 Patterson 40 Vs #5 Vista Del Lago 22
#3 Christian Brothers 30 Vs #11 Rio Linda 21
#2 Manteca 62 Vs #7 American Canyon 32
