Santa Teresa took a huge step toward the BVAL-MH North title with a 35-23 win over Branham in Week 9. With the win, the Saints (7-1, 3-0) have a one-game lead over three teams heading into the final two weeks of the regular season. It was the first division loss for the Bruins (2-6, 2-1), who started 0-5 before winning their first two league games.
Senior QB Salvador Guerrero attempted just 10 passes, completing eight for 149 yards and a touchdown. Junior RB Tyrone Monroe III ran for 126 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. The Saints defense held junior QB Andrew Ho to just 136 yards passing and limited the Bruins to just 109 total rushing yards.
Santa Teresa’s next challenge is Pioneer, which improved to 2-1 with a 45-6 win over Piedmont Hills. Senior Christopher Orozco led a balanced attack with 84 yards rushing and a touchdown on just 11 carries, and senior Connor Christensen caught seven passes for 116 yards and a score.
Leigh dropped Leland 16-7 to remain a game back of first-place Santa Teresa. Junior Kellan Yoshida completed 14-of-23 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns, and senior Ben McClennan and junior Kai Desai each went over 100 yards receiving with a score. Leigh takes on Piedmont Hills, and Branham visits Leland in Week 10.
In the BVAL-MH South, Live Oak improved to 3-0 with a 24-7 win over Willow Glen. The Acorns led just 10-7 heading into the fourth quarter before a pair of touchdowns put the game away. Junior Justin Svoboda Jr. had 88 yards rushing and two touchdowns on just nine carries and senior Gage Jones added 108 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Live Oak visits Silver Creek, which fell to 0-3 with a 35-3 loss to Christopher. With the win, the Cougars (5-3, 2-1) are in position to challenge for the league title as they finish the regular season at Live Oak. Junior Adrian Leon ran for 132 yards and two touchdowns and junior Dylan Robinson threw for 183 yards and a pair of scores for the Cougars, who host Lincoln Thursday.
In the other Week 9 matchup, Ann Sobrato knocked off Lincoln 17-7 to keep pace with Christopher for second place. The Bulldogs face Willow Glen in Week 10.
In the BVAL-Santa Teresa, Gilroy knocked Oak Grove off the top of the division with a 19-6 win. Senior QB Christian Lacroix threw a pair of touchdown passes to senior Nikolas Sanchez as the Mustangs built a 19-0 halftime lead. Gilroy joins Overfelt (4-4, 4-0 BVAL-ST) atop the division. The Royals were off last week and visit Oak Grove Thursday.
In other Week 9 results, San Jose picked up its first win, 42-22 over Del Mar, and Westmont improved to 2-2 with a 58-20 win over Gunderson. Westmont hosts Gilroy Thursday.
In the BVAL-West Valley, Prospect handed Andrew Hill its first league defeat by a score of 34-14. The Panthers built a 22-0 lead in the first quarter and cruised from there. Prospect goes out of league to take on Monta Vista this week. Andrew Hill needs to regroup quickly, as the Falcons take on Independence (8-1, 5-0) with the title on the line.
In the other BVAL-WV matchup, Mt. Pleasant edged Evergreen Valley 20-12, dropping the Cougars to 0-8 overall. Evergreen Valley takes on El Camino in a non-league game while Mt. Pleasant hosts Yerba Buena.
