NorCal Football Notes: Los Gatos Wins with Goal Line Stand
Game Report: Los Gatos’ goal line stand sends Wildcats to CCS Semis
In a game with limited possessions, it seemed fitting for the game to end with a few feet being the difference.
St. Francis reached the Los Gatos’ two yard line with 30 seconds left, but the Wildcats stopped them three times to secure a 14-7 win in a rematch of the 2024 CCS Division I title game won by the Lancers.
Los Gatos got two touchdown passes from Callum Schweitzer to Beau Musser and Shane Harmer.
Kaimani Keanaaina provided some big plays in the running game for the Lancers, who got a running touchdown from quarterback Drew Cumby for their only score.
Los Gatos moves on to take on Palma in trying to make its third straight CCS Division I title game. The Wildcats now have five playoff wins over the WCAL over the past two seasons.
Player to Watch: Callum Schweitzer Stands Out
Los Gatos senior quarterback Callum Schweitzer can get overlooked for the best quarterbacks in Northern California, but that is a mistake. The 6-foot-1 San Jose State commit made multiple big throws to pick up third and longs on Friday. He is able to move the pocket and has good ball skills on handoffs and play fakes.
He has now thrown for more than 2,000 yards and 23 touchdowns.
JUCO Spotlight: Remembering John Beam
Former Skyline and Laney head coach John Beam was tragically killed this week at the age of 66 while at Laney College, where he still served as the athletics director. The impact of Beam on the greater Oakland area is difficult to describe, but Joseph Dycus of the Bay Area News Group penned a wonderful article about how far his reach extended.
Video Evidence: Tony Franks reflects on Memorable Win
In a game that featured three straight kickoff returns for touchdowns, St. Mary’s battled back from a 20 point deficit to beat Jesuit 64-55 in the SJS Division II playoffs. Head coach Tony Franks called it one of the most amazing games he has been a part of.
Video Evidence Part 2: Oak Ridge secures last minute win
Oak Ridge was able to avoid the upset bid by Central Catholic with a touchdown with 33 seconds left to win 14-13. It was the second time in three seasons that Oak Ridge has eliminated Central Catholic.
Reading Recommendation: Monterey Trail rolls past Inderkum
The surprise isn’t that Monterey Trail beat Inderkum. It also did that in the season opener. The surprise was Monterey Trail winning 45-3 to earn a trip to top seed Folsom. The Mustangs ran for 383 yards led by Nigel Flowers (152 yards and a touchdown).