Folsom Football

The two state bowl games that featured SJS teams were both excellent to watch. St. Mary's could have won their game vs. Cathedral, but just struggled a little too much on defense. I really liked watching Vaz throw the ball. He showed tremendous poise and was very accurate. I can see why he and David Graves were two of the top passers in the section.

Grant is the team that really stepped-up though. They beat the state #1 ranked team, Long Beach Poly and beat them convincingly. Although the score was close, it was only close because of a few plays - a long pass, a long run and a blocked punt. Grant's defense was the real story in my mind. They just had too many athletes and put too much pressure on Poly. Even though Grant stayed in the 3-5 and played man-to-man defense the entire game, Poly could not take advantage. Grants' speed, their shedding of blocks and their pursuit to the ball are the hallmarks of a great defensive team. Grant's ability to run the ball in the second half allowed them to really control the game.

The win benefits more than Grant. The win, along with St. Mary's showing, really lifted the entire SJS. Outside of the bay area, there has long been a perception that SJS (and NS) football is inferior. It will be much easier to choose teams for future SBG's given the performances. For that, everyone in the SJS owes the Grant team a little thank you.

Fans of De La Salle feel slighted that their team was not selected to play in the open game. There has also been a lot of talk that Centennial should be the #1 ranked team in the state given Long Beach Poly's loss to Grant. I say Grant is #1 and they earned the right to be called California State Champion based on their play on the field. The Open game pitted the two best teams in the state head-to-head. And Grant won. Case closed.