December 4, 2010
As the postseason continues, the matches continue to be heavily contested battles. This was true as the NCP No. 3 Palo Alto Vikings were able to hold on to a 21-14 win over the No. 8 Valley Christian Warriors.
The CCS Championship game was played on a chilly night at the San Jose City College. Both teams were well represented by their supporters in the stands.
The first quarter had the Vikings receiving the ball at their own 27 and picking up a few first downs to enter the Valley Christian side. But on a key fourth down, Viking quarterback, Christoph Bono, was sacked to turn the ball over on downs. The Warriors were not able to do much as they had to punt on their first possession.
The Vikings' second possession was similar in that they picked up a few key first downs and faced another fourth down. On the 4th and 15, Bono was able to connect with receiver Maurice Williams for a 33 yard diving catch in the end zone for a 7-0 Viking lead.
The second quarter had the Warriors continuing their second possession into Palo Alto territory. On a 4th and 20 from the Viking 28, Valley Christian was stopped at the 23 to end the drive. The rest of the quarter had the teams exchanging two punts from each side to end the half with the Vikings up 7-0.
The third quarter started with Valley Christian sustaining a serious offensive drive as they strung a few rushing first downs. But on a 4th and 13, receiver Brian Fobbs gained 12 yards and was stopped at the Palo Alto 23 to turn the ball over on downs. The one yard difference proved to be a momentum swing.
Two plays later, Bono threw a hitch to Williams on the right side five yards out that Williams turned into a 78 yard touchdown and a Viking 14-0 lead. Palo Alto continued the avalanche as they recovered an onside kick. But the Vikings would be stopped on downs.
Valley Christian took over at the Palo Alto 49 and Byron Marshall went right on a sweep for 39 yards. However, this was negated by a holding card. On the next play, quarterback Zach Vaiana missed a wide open deep pass to Fobbs. The Warriors were still able to convert first downs and setup a 1st and goal at the 9 as the third quarter ended with Palo Alto up 14-0.
To begin the fourth quarter, Marshall was able to run 8 yards for the touchdown and a 14-7 deficit for the Warriors. However, the earlier miscues on the drive cost the Warriors precious time that they could have used later.
Palo Alto was able to capitalize on their next possession. Running back BJ Boyd was stopped at the line but bounced right for a 66 yard run with 8:30 left that seem to take the wind out of the Warriors as they trailed 21-7.
However, Valley Christian with a good kick return to their own 40 and a few first downs later, they were at the Palo Alto 22. On a 3rd and 18, Vaiana had his pass tipped and intercepted in the end zone though.
Paly was able to run time. On a fourth down, the Vikings were in formation to punt at the Valley Christian 48. Senior Davante Adams took the snap and ran 31 yards to pick up the first down. According to Adams after the game, this was not a planned fake as he made the read that the defense was exposed and decided to take off. This allowed Palo Alto to run some more time off and subsequently miss a 39 yard field goal.
With less than two minutes remaining, Valley Christian ran 10 plays and drove 80 yards to score on a 1 yard dive by Jarrod Lawson to make it 21-14. But with 20 seconds left, the Warriors could not recover the onside kick. As a result, Palo Alto ran out the clock and had a jubilant celebration.
Notes
How this game was won: Palo Alto had no costly turnovers and no untimely penalty. In addition, the defense won the first half.
Turning point: Valley Christian not getting that one extra yard on their first possession of the second half. If they convert that fourth down, then they were prime to tie the score. Instead, Palo Alto scores two plays later and gets an onside kick.
Offensive highlights: Palo Alto had the 100 yard players. Boyd ran 13 times for 109 yards and that long touchdown run. Williams had 4 catches for 131 yards with two touchdowns.
Defensive highlights: Marshall had 11 rushes for 63 yards and a touchdown for Valley Christian. However, we are so used to him rushing for at least 100 yards, if not 200 yards. As a result, the Viking defense was able to limit his damage.
Intangibles: Palo Alto seem to time everything correctly. They got the onside kick. They ran a fake punt. They did not get penalized at the worse time. Nothing seem to go Valley Christian's way.
What this means for Valley Christian: They end 11-2 in a still impressive season. Marshall returns next year for his senior year. The WCAL will be tough but the Warriors should be more than capable.
What this means for Palo Alto: Undefeated first of all at 13-0, which is a school best mark and a chance to represent the north in the state Division I bowl game in Carson. Stanford-bound Kevin Anderson put it best when he said that the team has had a high level of focus and has been working really hard week by week since the offseason. That showed tonight against Valley Christian and will be needed if they play another game.
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