PLEASANT HILL - Folsom boasted a quarterback, Jake Browning, with 74 touchdown passes heading into its pivotal game against De La Salle on Saturday night at Diablo Valley College, prompting thoughts of a shootout for some.
De La Salle had different ideas, holding Browning without a TD pass until late in the game en route to a 45-17 victory. The Spartans now advance to the state bowl title game at 8 p.m. Saturday against St. John Bosco-Bellflower in Carson. De La Salle will be gunning for its fifth consecutive state bowl title.
The Spartan attack was led by senior running back John Velasco and sophomore running back Antoine Custer. Velasco exploded for 112 yards and four touchdowns on 22 carries, while Custer added 133 yards on 12 carries. De La Salle did not have to pass much, as their running game was just so effective.
“It feels great, especially because I’m a transfer, there is a lot of excitement as we get to go down to play Bosco and ball out for De La Salle,” Spartan lineman Kahlil McKenzie said.
As for the Bulldogs, they were able to drive down the field a few times, but had difficulty finishing. Browning, the four-star junior recruit, threw for 296 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 32 of 47 passes. Both TDs came late in the game against De La Salle backups.
“It’s a great feeling right now, we’re going to enjoy this for the rest of the night and then get ready for St. John Bosco,” Velasco said.
Folsom finishes 14-1, losing to De La Salle in the regional title game for the second consecutive year.
The Spartans, after the impressive win, move to an unbeaten record of 14-0 as they look to cap off a remarkable season this week at the StubHub Center in Carson where De La Salle has enjoyed much success in recent years.
