UPDATE: The Golden Valley Grizzlies football team has dramatically kept their playoff hopes alive, defeating the West Ranch Wildcats 43-28 last night at College of the Canyons’ Cougar Stadium. This victory marks a crucial step towards securing a playoff berth for the second consecutive season and the fourth time in five years.
Junior standout Aaron McCormick was the driving force, racking up an impressive 235 rushing yards and scoring four touchdowns. “It was really big,” McCormick stated post-game. “I think we all had this mentality of, ‘It’s win or go home,’ which pushed us to win this game.” This mindset proved essential as the Grizzlies now prepare for a decisive showdown against the Saugus Centurions next week.
Next Friday’s game will determine the final automatic playoff spot in the Foothill League. Golden Valley (4-5, 3-2) must win to guarantee their playoff position, while Saugus has already secured a record above .500, making them eligible for at-large consideration if they lose.
Head Coach Dan Kelley emphasized the importance of the upcoming game, saying, “Treat next week as a playoff game. If you don’t win, you don’t deserve to be in the playoffs.” This high-stakes mentality sets the stage for an electrifying finale to the regular season.
In addition to McCormick’s stellar performance, senior quarterback Jayce Johnson contributed significantly with 116 passing yards and a touchdown pass, along with 39 rushing yards. Kelley praised Johnson for executing the game plan effectively: “He made decisions that really impressed me… your job is to manage the game.” Johnson’s ability to adapt played a key role in the Grizzlies’ offensive success.
Golden Valley established a solid lead, heading into halftime at 22-7. The Wildcats struck first with a touchdown from junior quarterback Blake Johnson to junior Charlie Samuelson, but the Grizzlies quickly answered back, showcasing their determination.
West Ranch’s struggles continued with missed opportunities, including a bad snap that halted their momentum late in the first half. Despite their efforts, including a notable 41-yard touchdown from junior Mesziah Ramos, the Wildcats could not close the gap. Coach TJ Yonkers reflected on the experience for his young team: “We’re trying to build momentum… it didn’t go the way we wanted, but we had moments to build on.”
With both teams combining for a total of 21 points in the second half, the Grizzlies showcased their offensive prowess, scoring touchdowns on all five of their red zone trips. This efficiency has set a high bar for their upcoming match against Saugus.
As the regular season draws to a close, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Grizzlies. With McCormick’s mantra of “Win, win, win,” the team is poised to battle for their playoff destiny. Fans and supporters are eager to see if Golden Valley can clinch their spot in the playoffs next week, making this a must-watch game.
Stay tuned as we continue to cover this developing story and the thrilling conclusion of the high school football season.
