LIVERMORE, CA - In a rematch of the game played just two weeks ago, Granada pulled out a dramatic 24-20 win over visiting Amador Valley Friday night in the first round of the North Coast Section Division I playoffs. Granada advances to play No. 1 seed and national power De La Salle. The Dons finish the season 5-6.
This was a closer game than the Matadors’ 42-21 win over the Dons on November 1, as Amador had a solid day running the football. Granada used a heavy rushing attack, but mixed in the play-action pass extremely well. The playoff win meant a lot to the seniors on the team.
“Since we haven’t gone to the playoffs since my freshman year, this win means a lot to the program," Granada senior captain Riley Draa said. "This is a big win for us and we just have to keep it rolling.”
Trailing 20-17 with just over eight minutes remaining, Granada went right to work on the ground, running the ball up the middle and converting numerous third-down conversions to take the ball into Amador territory with 3:32 left.
Facing fourth-and-1 just outside of field-goal range, Jacob Shinnick picked up the first down to continue the drive. Later in the drive, quarterback Tyler Offill found Josh Revay for a 20-yard touchdown pass on third down to put the Matadors up 24-20 with 1:34 left.
Amador moved the ball downfield with less than a minute to go, and with three seconds left had one last Hail Mary attempt to win the game. The pass fell incomplete, but a roughing the passer attempt gave the Dons one more shot at the Granada 30. Amador Valley quarterback Ronnie Jones fired, but the pass went out of the back of the end zone.
After both offenses stalled to start the fourth quarter, Amador got the ball back with around nine minutes left. On second down, Michael White took it to the house with a 55-yard touchdown rush to give Amador its first lead since the first quarter, 20-17.
However, the Dons missed the extra point, which would prove to be costly. White had more success this game than the meeting two weeks prior, and used Jones’ effectiveness to his advantage. This wasn’t a bad way to end his high school career, as White turned out one of his best performances.
In the first half, a key play took place with Granada up 10-7. With 6:31 left before halftime following a one-yard sneak for a touchdown by Offill, Granada lined up in kickoff formation.
Kicker Matthew Dremalas squibbed it, but it deflected off of an Amador player and later was recovered by the Matadors. Granada then executed a five-minute drive, capped off with an Offill touchdown pass to Nick Campiotti off a great play-action fake near the goal line, giving the Matadors a 17-7 lead heading into halftime.
Granada came into this game at less than full strength, with star running back Casey Soltis and wide receiver Javonn Williams out due to suspension. Both players make a big impact on both sides of the ball, but other members of the team such as Josh Revay and Jon Poppe contributed a lot in tonight’s game.
“We had some unfortunate events, but it is all about the group of guys that we do have," Draa said. "We came together as a group and got it done.”
The first quarter started with a lot of back and forth action, but many drives stalled with penalties. Granada fumbled but retained possession. Amador made an emphasis early on to throw the ball, and did so with good success. The only scoring play of the first quarter was a Dremalas field goal with three minutes left. Granada led 3-0 after one. Both offenses came to life in the second quarter.
In the second, Amador struck first with a Jones two-yard touchdown rush with 11:22 remaining. Granada then took the lead with the Offill quarterback sneak, and the ensuing onside kick. Granada’s drives were predicated on running the ball, even without Soltis. Shinnick, who normally plays fullback, took over most of the running back duties. Jason Silva also provided a nice balance in the backfield.
In recent years, Granada vs. Amador Valley have had some memorable moments. Crazy comebacks and finishes have been seen between the two - not just in football, but other sports as well. The Dons came out strong in the second half, holding Granada’s offense and causing a fumble after they received the kickoff to start the half. The fumble recovery gave new life to the Amador sideline, and with 7:02 remaining the Dons still had time to use their best weapon, White.
White cut Granada’s lead to just three with a 10-yard touchdown run with 6:21 remaining. After another long Granada drive, the Dons forced another fumble with a minute to go in the quarter. On first down, the next play, the Matadors dropped an interception that would have changed momentum. The clock ran out on the third quarter, and Granada still led 17-14. Both teams knew that one mistake could decide the outcome of the game in the fourth quarter.
Granada moves on to the NCS quarterfinals, where they will play number one seed De La Salle. The Spartans had a bye week and will be well-rested for the game next Friday. Despite being heavy underdogs, coach Tim Silva expects his team to play hard next weekend:
“For the seniors, if it is your last game against a national power, you can live with that," Silva said. "But if we beat them, you guys will have a movie made for you.”
Amador’s season ends at 5-6 after finishing 8-5 last season. The Dons lose White to graduation, but return star players such as Colin Miller, Patrick Pipitone, and Harrison Mayo.
