BELMONT, CA -- Down by eight and with 39 seconds left, the atmosphere was tense as quarterback Boston Funk surveyed the field and prepared to take the snap. Dropping back in the pocket, Funk spotted an open receiver running a deep route. As the crowd drew silent, the ball flew towards the receiver, and the player came down with the ball.
Unfortunately for Carlmont, that player was Homestead senior and safety John Rak, who intercepted the ball to secure Homestead's 21-13 win. This play exemplified the tempo of the game -- a slow-scoring game highlighted by turnovers and defensive stops by both teams.
Regarding Thompson’s interception, Carlmont coach Rich Gianuario simply said, “That last play really hurt.”
That interception epitomized Carlmont’s offense for the night. Carlmont didn’t muster much momentum in its passing game, as it failed to complete a single pass. Instead, it relied on its running backs to shoulder the load.
For the early portion of the game, the momentum shifted back and forth. Carlmont capitalized on an Antonio Baltodano fumble recovery to take the lead 6-3 with a 1-yard Dakota Regan rush.
But in the end, it was all Homestead. A Devaun Crittle rush followed by a Carlmont safety made the score 12-6, and in turn shifted all the confidence back to the away side.
Despite a Brandon Cobby touchdown for Carlmont, a quick 75-yard touchdown run by Ryan Allemandi and a second John Rak field goal was finisher for Homestead.
After the win, coach Milo Lewis said “We didn’t do a good enough job stopping [Carlmont’s] run game.”
While Homestead wasn’t especially effective on the ground against the Scots, Allemandi’s touchdown run was the decisive play in the game. Regarding his crucial touchdown run, Allemandi said, “My blockers did really well and I just followed them. I’m happy I could help my team win.”
Lewis added: “[Allemandi] has been a three-year starter for us now. It’s no surprise he came up big for us again.”
Up next for Homestead (2-1) is a meeting with Milpitas (3-0), which just knocked off Prep2Prep CCS No. 1 Valley Christian.
Carlmont (2-1 will entertain San Mateo (3-0) on Friday in a non-league game. The game was originally scheduled to be played at San Mateo, but moved to Belmont because the Bearcats' bleachers are not finished.
