Reporter’s note: This story would have been up on Sunday but due to
power outages and internet connection issues as a result of the
Kincaide Fire, the publishing was delayed.
The last Friday evening was a light night in Napa Valley, CA, as it
pertains to Friday Night Lights.
The Vintage Crushers received a forfeit win over Sonoma Valley. The
Dragons had to forfeit because various players were ejected for their role
in a melee that took place one week earlier against Petaluma. Calistoga
had its road game against Stuart Hall (San Francisco), which was slated
to be played at Kezar Stadium, cancelled because Calistoga is being
affected by the Kincaide Fore that has caused evacuations for Northern
Sonoma County residents. The Justin-Siena Braves, meanwhile, had a
scheduled bye.
As for games that took place on the field, the American Canyon Wolves
defeated the Casa Grande (Petaluma) Gauchos 13-9. The Napa Grizzlies
blasted the Petaluma Trojans 49-7. The St. Helena Saints whitewashed
the Cloverdale Eagles 47-0.
The regular season finale along with the CIF North Coast Section playoffs
await with the only question being, how much will the poor air quality
stemming from the Kincaide Fire linger?
Here’s a closer look:
AMERICAN CANYON
Looking back: In an era where higher-scoring games prevail, this one had
1986 written all over it but, in this scribe’s point of view, there is
something refreshing about such games. Kekoa Wilson finished a 10-play
drive with a 4-yard touchdown run to put American Canyon in front 6-0.
The Gauchos tied the game at 6-6 on a 13-yard touchdown pass from
Miguel Robertson to Rashad Dixon. Though the Wolves offense provided
the decisive score, it was the defense that turned the tide. In the second
half, Casa Grande gained just 11 yards of total offense. The go-ahead score
came on a 1-yard run from Kaave Gaviola. Casa Grande had two more
drives to answer but the Wolves defense shut the door. Jordan Fisher’s
interception sealed the win.
Looking ahead: Despite the record disparity between the two teams, 8-1
for American Canyon and 3-6 for Casa Grande, entering the contest only
one game separated the two teams in the Vine Valley Athletic League
race. Though the game was not aesthetically pleasing to some people, the
importance of the win cannot be overstated. American Canyon needed
to keep winning to avoid a low end seed in the Div. III bracket. The
Wolves travel to Dodd Stadium to take on Justin, which is vying for a
spot in the Div. VI playoffs.
NAPA
Looking back: The Grizzlies dominated from the opening whistle in
racing to a 28-0 lead after one quarter and 49-0 at halftime, beating a
Petaluma team that recorded its first victory of the season one week
earlier over Sonoma. Napa compiled 414 yards of total offense on
just 23 plays. On the rushing side nine different Grizzlies carried the
ball for a total for 299 yards with Benito Saldivar carrying five times
for 142 yards and three touchdowns. The Napa defense also shined,
giving up just 144 yards on 38 plays.
Looking ahead: While you could come up with scenarios where Napa
can reach the CIF North Coast Section Div. II playoffs with a 7-3 record,
the shortest distance would be to defeat the crosstown rival Vintage
Crushers on Friday in The Big Game. Napa is 7-2 while Vintage is 8-1.
The Div. II ratings could get shaken up with Clayton Valley (31-21 to
Monte Vista-Danville), San Leandro (13-12 to Encinal), Foothill (28-21
to Amador Valley) and Livermore (14-12 to Granada) losing on Friday.
Campolindo (14-12 over Las Lomas), Dublin (39-3 over Dougherty
Valley), College Park (42-6 over Mt. Diablo) and Mt. Eden (49-13
over Alameda) winning.
ST. HELENA
Looking back: It was a blowout win that took place so often in the
early 2010s as the Saints scored all 47 of their points in the first half.
The fourth quarter went to the running clock format. Cody DiTomaso
rushed for two touchdowns while Ivan Robledo, Daniel Martinez and
George Cutting each had one. Robledo also returned an interception
for a score while Martinez connected with Henry Dixon for a 33-yard
touchdown pass. Eight different Saints carried the ball for a team total
of 241 yards. Defensively, the Saints gave up just 104 yards on 44
plays, generating five takeaways and three sacks.
Looking ahead: St. Helena did its expected duty and dispatched an
overmatched opponent. The challenge will be a lot more daunting next
week when the Saints visit Lower Lake (7-2 overall, 5-1 North Central
League I). The Trojans have only failed to score 30 points on two
occasions and have scored 45 or more three of the past four weeks.
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