Back In Play And Tied Records
Sonora, CA — There was a tough loss and some big wins in week ten of the high school football season that tied two teams’ records.
The bye-week didn’t stop Sonora from continuing its winning streak rolling along with a 48-7 win over the Argonaut Mustangs. On their first possession the Wildcats marched down the field capped by a Jack Camara three yard rush for a touchdown and with the extra point good, it was 7-0 early. After Sonora kicked off to the Mustangs, the Wildcats defense held Argonaut to a three and out. Towards the end of the first quarter, Jacob Gookin chose his own option and went 25 yards for the score. The extra point failed and Sonora lead 13-0 after one quarter of play.
In the second quarter, the Mustangs scored first with a three yard plunge by their quarterback and the extra point was converted cutting the Wildcat lead 13-7. Sonora’s Rico Sanchez added a score from 5 yards out and the two point conversion attempt failed but the Wildcats went into halftime up 19-7.
After the extended halftime for “Senior Night” at Argonaut, the Wildcat’s offense picked up right where they left off and didn’t look back. Sanchez had an eight yard touchdown and Gookin converted the try for two points and the Wildcats were ahead 27-7. Sanchez broke a big 42 yard run for his third score of the game and second of the quarter to increase the Wildcat lead 34-7. Camara would add another six points from 27 yards out and Bryan Wynne added another extra point. The Wildcats would lead at the end of the third quarter 41-7.
With the clock running in the fourth quarter and Sonora emptying their bench getting as many players as they could valuable playing time, the Wildcats were still able to move the ball. Mike Mckernon, after pounding the ball repeatedly up the middle, punched it in from five yards out and Wynn closed the scoring, converting five of six extra point attempts.
It was clear that any rust that Sonora might have had after the bye week seemed to fall off in the second half of this football game. The (7-2) Wildcats are catching their stride as they close up the season next week against the Bret Harte Bullfrogs at Dunleavy Field.
Homecoming night for the Bears showcased a brutal battle between arch-rival Calaveras high school. Calaveras was first to put up points on the scoreboards with Quarterback Kyle Bryd diving the ball down the field and into the end zone taking a 6-0 lead. Summerville stayed stride for stride with Big Red as Kyle Mccarver’s career long 32 yard field goal brought it to 3-6. Bryd, in a word, was electrifying on this night making plays with his feet and his arm.
Bear QB Michael Litzler showed confidence in this drive, leading Summerville down the field to set up a strike to Luke Fulkerson to bring it to 13-10 going to half. Litzler found Fulkerson again on a screen pass from 14 yards out to make it 17-20 in the second half. The Bears then needed a turnover, a stop, anything to get the ball back and have a shot at winning. Unfortunately, none of those things happened.
Calaveras iced the game on two quick first downs and Big Red moved to 8-1 while Summerville dropped to 7-2. Next week the Bears host the Amador Buffaloes. Calaveras is at home against Linden who was beaten last night by Bret Harte in a close game, 40 to 38.
*Mark Ferreira and Brandon Steele contributed to this report.
