OAKLEY, CA - Freedom running back Giles Jackson led the way for the Falcons once again, finishing with 194 yards rushing, with 150 of those rushing yards in the first quarter, and three touchdowns, to help lift Freedom to a 38-20 victory over Amador Valley in the NCS Division I quarterfinals.
Jackson had a great rhythm in the first quarter, rushing for 150 yards and three touchdowns, including a 32-yard touchdown run with 21 seconds remaining in the first quarter, capping off a 60-yard drive, to give Freedom a 21-0 lead heading into the second quarter.
“For the last two weeks at practice we focused on our running game and taking better reads,” said Jackson.
Freedom's special teams was crucial yet again, as senior Baylei Coston had a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown, to give the Falcons a commanding 28-0 lead with 6:57 remaining in the second quarter.
Amador Valley did not give up, however, as junior quarterback Dominick Mazzotti threw a four-yard touchdown pass to senior receiver Max Heverly, with 2:13 remaining in the second quarter, capping off a 59-yard drive, and trimmed the Freedom lead to 28-7.
Freedom would respond quick, as quarterback Joey Aguilar threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to junior receiver Mekel Ealy, with 8.2 sec remaining in the second quarter, capping off a 70-yard drive and giving the Falcons a commanding 35-7 lead entering halftime.
Aguilar finished the game with 224 yards passing and a touchdown, as his favorite target of the game was Coston, finishing with seven receptions for 139 yards.
Amador Valley responded with two rushing touchdowns of their own, including a two-yard touchdown run by Mazzotti, to trim the Freedom lead to 35-20 with 11:57 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Mazotti finished the game with 103 yards passing and one touchdown, as his favorite target of the game was Terrance Van Tuyl, who finished with four receptions for 48 yards.
Freedom's defense would seal the deal, however, as senior linebacker Jeror Boakai picked off a slant across the middle, with 1:57 remaining in the fourth quarter, to give the Falcons a victory in the second round of the playoffs.
“We as a whole have a lot of work to do before next week if we want to advance in the playoffs,” said senior offensive lineman Caelan Merryman.
Freedom will look to continue to their success in the playoffs, as they will host Antioch in the semifinals. The Panthers beat Dublin, 41-20, in the quarterfinals. The BVAL foes did not meet during the regular season, after their game was cancelled due to the fires and poor air quality.
