Bradshaw Takes SJS D-VI Football Title, 35-28

They almost let a Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI football title slip through their hands. However, the Bradshaw
Christian Pride was able to hang on in the end and defeat Ripon Christian, 35-28, Saturday at the Grape Bowl 
in Lodi.

The win was Bradshaw's fourth Section banner in the school's young history, its third in Division VI. 

Bradshaw Christian  - Div VI champs

In order to secure the win, the Pride had to corral the Section's top overall rusher, Michael Brown. The senior did score all four 

of the Knight's touchdowns and registered 147 yards on 27 carries. But that's about seventy yards under his per-game average. He finished the year with an incredible 49 TD's and more than 2800 yards rushing, counting his Saturday total.

But, it's Bradshaw that has the 2013 Section banner to hoist in its gym this fall.

Grant Dragmire had eight tackles to lead his team on defense. The game plan was to slow down Brown.

"We just rallied together as a team," Dragmire said. "We fed off each other's energy and found ways to stop (Brown)."

Dragmire also contributed to the Pride offensive attack with 111 yards rushing on 18 carries and a touchdown.

Dragmire's older brother, Brady, now a pitcher in the Toronto Blue Jays' organization, was the Pride's main running back when they won their first Section title in 2008. Now, both brothers have a Section championship patch to put on the letterman's jacket.

"Yeah, it was special and a real honor," Dragmire said. "We're going to take this one back to Elk Grove. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us."

A hoarse Drew Rickert, Bradshaw Christian's head coach, was grinning ear-to-ear with the victory in hand, but he was just moments removed from filling the referees ears with complaints.

"Yeah, (Ripon Christian) had some momentum going and it took us getting a couple first downs to win it, which was nice," he said.

One of the questionable calls - one in which Rickert had to be restrained by his players from going after an official - came in the fourth quarter when the Pride defense stopped the Knights on a fourth-and-seven on the Ripon 35 yardline with a little more than seven minutes left in the game and Bradshaw leading, 35-21.  Brown was tackled three yards short of the first down. Bradshaw fans were celebrating then flags flew.

"They called helmet-to-helmet contact but the flag came way after the play was over, so I don't understand what happened, but that is what they called," Rickert explained."Then they called unsportsmanlike (conduct) on us because one of our kids was disputing the helmet-to-helmet. So, that's the way it goes."

While the crowd was pleading for an explanation (and got none) the ball was paced off thirty yards into Bradshaw territory and placed on the Pride 29 yardline. Three plays and a penalty later, Brown ran the ball over from the 11 yard line to narrow the score to 35-28, Bradshaw, with 4:04 remaining. 

Football Semi-finals Tonight; BCS Plays For D-VI Title Sat.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

Tonight the football semi-final games in Divisions I - IV will be played around the area. Follow those games right here .....

Tomorrow I am covering Bradshaw Christian's Division VI championship game against Ripon Christian. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. at the Grape Bowl in Lodi. Follow all the action on Twitter @EGCitizenJHull

EG Holds On To Beat Burbank, Folsom Rolls Over Franklin

It was a night of close football games as round two of the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs rolled through area stadiums Friday night.

Locally, Elk Grove held Burbank on downs at the Herd 26 yardline with nine second left in the game to win 18-12 over the Metro League champions. (Stats on the game below)

The Herd will travel to Rio Linda on Friday, 31-21 winners over Vacaville, in one semi-final game in Division II.

Elk Grove is now the only Delta Valley Conference team still alive in the playoffs. Grant lost at Yuba City, 27-12. while Franklin was defeated by Division I top seed Folsom, 49-16. The three DVC teams shared the conference title this year with 4-1 records.

All four Delta River League teams that qualified for the post-season – Folsom, Oak Ridge, Pleasant Grove and Jesuit – have made it to the semi-finals in Division I.

Oak Ridge defeated Granite Bay, 28-17, while Jesuit beat Tracy, 49- 28. Pleasant Grove won 42-28 over Stagg.

The Marauders play at Folsom while Pleasant Grove takes on Oak Ridge in El Dorado Hills Friday.

In the Division VI semi-finals, Bradshaw Christian defeated Brookside Christian, 35-14.

Notes:

Big Matt Kopa, a 2005 graduate of Elk Grove, was on the sideline of the Elk Grove game. The Philadelphia Eagles cut Kopa at the end of training camp. The 6-8, 310 pound offensive tackle said he is healing from a back injury and his football career is frankly up in the air.

He graduated from Stanford in 2009 with a degree in chemical engineering. He signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent then spent time on the practice squads with the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.

His former EGHS teammate Kenny Wiggins has stayed with the San Diego Chargers after being released by the team on Monday. Wiggins was activated off the practice squad Sunday for the game in Miami. On Monday the Chargers signed another offensive tackle, waived Wiggins to make some roster room and then resigned Wiggins to the practice squad Tuesday.

EGHS Has Big Challenge In Burbank

The Sac-Joaquin Section's football playoffs continue Friday night with four area schools all in action. In Division I Franklin will travel to Folsom to try to slow down the top-seeded Bulldogs. No one has seemed to be able to do that this season (nor last season, either). Our best to Coach Mike Johnson and the Wildcats.

Pleasant Grove will travel to No. 2 seed Stagg in Stockton. Last year the Eagles kicked a final minute field goal to win, 22-21.

In Division II Elk Grove, the No. 3 seed, takes on No. 6 Burbank. The issue is whether the Herd's offense will be able to get untracked against one of the area's toughest teams in the Titans.

In Division V,  Bradshaw, which drew an opening round bye, will host Brookside Christian.

All games kick off at 7 p.m.

I'll be at Burbank vs. EGHS, so follow me on Twitter @EGCitizen JHull. Hopefully, you'll be at one of our games in person. Or, follow the action throughout the area on the Preps Plus Chat:

Wiggins Waived By Chargers, Two Days After Being Activated

Kenny Wiggins, after three long seasons of waiting for his time to come to play in the NFL, has finally suited up for a regular season game. He was activated for San Diego's game at Miami.

The good feelings for Wiggins didn’t last very long, though. 

Kenny Wiggins' jersey, but worn for only one game

Wiggins was released by the Chargers Monday. San Diego signed former Oakland Raider tackle Willie Smith and to make room for him on the roster they waived Wiggins.

The former EGHS and Fresno State offensive tackle was initially signed to the Chargers’ practice squad on Sept. 2. Wiggins began his career with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted rookie in 2011. He was released at the end of his rookie training camp and later spent five weeks on Baltimore’s practice squad. He re-signed with the 49ers in 2012 and spent the entire ’12 season on San Francisco’s practice squad. Wiggins went to training camp again with San Francisco in 2013, but was released at the end of training camp.

Ross Earns A Start With Lions

Former Cal and Laguna Creek wide receiver Jeremy Ross has started each of the past two games for the Detroit Lions.

In Sunday’s loss to Pittsburgh, he had one catch for 19 yards. The previous week, a 21-19 win over Chicago, Ross caught two passes for 28 yards.

The Lions signed him on Oct. 7 after starting the season with Green Bay.

Saunders Wins Big 12 Honor

Oklahoma senior wide receiver Jalen Saunders has been recognized as the Big 12 Co-Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts in OU’s 48-10 win over Iowa State.

With the Cyclones leading 10-3 in the second quarter, Saunders broke off a 91-yard punt return touchdown to even the score at 10-10. The Sooners would not look back, scoring 45 unanswered points to close out the victory.

The punt return tied as the third-longest in OU history. The former Pleasant Grove Eagle currently ranks second in the Big 12 in punt return average (13.5).

It is the second Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honor for Saunders. In last year’s home finale vs. Oklahoma State, he produced an 81-yard punt return touchdown to help spark the Sooners in a 51-48, overtime victory.

Saunders is currently the Sooners’ leading receiver with 44 receptions for 520 yards and five touchdowns.

Jackson Has Big Day For Nevada-Reno

Don Jackson reeled of 97 rushing yards on 12 carries and scored a touchdown as Nevada-Reno defeated San Jose State, 38-16, Saturday.

The former Laguna Creek Cardinal has 305 yards rushing and four TD’s on 69 carries this season for the Wolfpack.

Wiggins Activated By Chargers/Levin Contends In PGA Tour Event

A happy Saturday night to all of you ... a list of mid-weekend tidbits:

Kenny Wiggins, after three long seasons of waiting for his time, has finally been activated for San Diego's game tomorrow 's game at Miami. The former EGHS and Fresno State offensive tackle spent two years ago on the practice squad with Baltimore. Last season he was on the 49ers' practice team. This year he's been with the Chargers' practice squad.

Today, he was signed to the active roster at the same time San Diego waived rookie tackle Nick Becton.

Wiggins will wear #72. Good luck, Kenny. I still remember you as the biggest kid in Cal Ripken Baseball.

Spencer Levin

The PGA Tour player and EGHS alum is in contention this weekend at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba in Mexico. After today's third round he's tied for eighth at ten-under-par, five strokes in back of Robert Karlsson and Harris English.

In 2011, Levin almost won this event, losing the title in sudden death.

He's looking for win number one on the Tour.

Cosumnes Oaks Takes Section Soccer Title

Cosumnes Oaks has another Section banner to hoist in its gym.

The boys' soccer team today won the Sac-Joaquin Section's Division II championship by defeating Gregori, 2-1. The game was played at Cosumnes Oaks' Stadium.

In the game that followed, Granite Bay defeated Jesuit, 2-1 in overtime, to take the Division I soccer title.

EG, PG, Franklin Wins, CO Loses Playoff Openers

Wyatt Demps showed he didn't want his high school football career to end Friday night. Though he's headed to Nevada-Reno next fall to continue playing the sport, the wide receiver/safety returned a punt 73 yards for a TD in the second quarter and caught a pair of touchdown passes to lead his high school team, Pleasant Grove, into the second round of the Sac-Joaquin Section's Division I playoffs. His heroics on both sides of the ball helped the Eagles to a 48-12 thrashing to Modesto Friday night at Downey High School.

The Eagles (9-2) scored 20 points in the first quarter and had 34 points by halftime and cruised from there.

It all started with Esley Simmons who returned the opening kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown and Pleasant Grove was unstoppable the rest of the way. Running back Ian Broom had 127 yards rushing on 14 carries while Demaree Morris added 88 more yards on the ground on 15 totes and a touchdown.

Quarterback Dre Terrell was sharp throwing the ball as he was seven-for-ten passing for 116 yards and four touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles were led by junior linebacker Derek Carroll who had 12 tackles.

In a bit of a quirk in the playoff brackets, the Eagles, the seventh seed in D-I, played at Modesto, the 10th seed, because they were co-champions of their league.

This Friday, Pleasant Grove will once again be on the road as they travel to No. 2 Stagg, a 32-14 winner over Beyer in the opening round.

Other EGUSD scores:
Franklin 44, Pitman 27 - Joey Banks scored four TD's, including a fumble recovered in the end zone.
The Wildcats now face top-seeded Folsom, 50-17 winners over Lincoln-Stockton.

Whitney 33, Cosumnes Oaks 9 - Has to be a bitter pill to swallow for Coach Ryan Gomes and the players. This was a team many thought would go deep into the Division II playoffs.

Elk Grove 42, Atwater 7 

Jesuit 49, Merced 39 

EGUSD Letter-of-Intent Signing Ceremony

There were sixteen Elk Grove-area athletes that inked national letters-of-intent on Wednesday. Here is a brief video with the comments of EGUSD superintendent Steven Ladd and interim athletic director Todd Reiswig ….

Playoffs Open Friday

The second season will kick off Friday night for all area high school football teams. It's the Sac-Joaquin Section's playoffs.

Follow us live below on our weekly chat:

St. Francis Water Polo Advances to Section Final

(thanks to Steve Shaff of St. Francis for this story)

LODI, Calif. – The St. Francis water polo team overcame a four-goal deficit to post a sudden death victory over Granite Bay in the Sac-Joaquin Section semifinals at Tokay High School Wednesday.

Sophomore Julie Zanobini, who lives in Davis, scored the game winner at the 2:41 mark of the second overtime, advancing St. Francis into the section finals for the 10th consecutive season.

“It was awesome,” said Zanobini. “It is probably the best feeling I have ever had.”

Granite Bay (18-11) score four goals in the opening period to take a 4-0 lead. Junior Kat Cohen scored three times and Sophie Johnson added a fourth goal.

“They capitalized on our mismatches,” said Head Coach Heather Moody. “Our game plan was to make sure we were marking Kat Conen and Grace Reego. They attacked and we were off a little bit. We didn’t really establish our defense. They took advantage. They were ready to go, more than we were, and we had to fight back.”

The Troubadours (17-12) chipped away at the lead over the next three periods. Senior Brinnley Barthels scored the first of her two goals with 2:45 left in the second period. Junior Emily Reinl cut the deficit to two 30 seconds later. 

St. Francis' Julie Zanobini scored the winning
goal in OT for the Troubadours

“We established our defense,” said Moody. “If you have a solid defense then your transition into offense is going to work a lot easier than scrambling. We were able to hold them, they did not have that offensive attack and we were able to transition and get the ball into the center position live and let our centers go to work.”

Maggie Oys scored in the third quarter to cut the lead to 4-3 and Barthels tied it with 5:14 left. Neither team has able to find the cage in the final minutes, forcing the overtime period.

“We fought back by playing tough defense and trusting our shots would go in,” said Julie Zanobini.

In the first of two, three-minute periods, St. Francis scored on a Lauren Charter goal at the 1:24 mark. But it did not hold up at Megan Plank scored for the Grizzlies in the second overtime period, forcing the sudden death second overtime.

Zanobini scored at the 2:06 mark to seal the victory. Goalie Sophie Rubino had 14 goals in the game.

St. Francis will play Davis in the section final for the 10th consecutive season on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. at Woodcreek High School. Davis won 9-8 in 2012 on a late goal and won an earlier matchup against St. Francis 11-7.

 “It is a big deal and we are really excited to be there,” said Zanobini. “It is a good opportunity.”

Injury Ends Lawson's Try For Kicking Record

A knee injury has stopped Jennie Lawson's attempt to set a new state record for most points-after-touchdowns. Bradshaw Christian football coach Drew Rickert said Tuesday Lawson has suffered a torn ACL in a knee which will require surgery and her season is over, only four points shy of the state mark of 206. 

She was 24-for-27 this season in one-pointers for the Pride. Over her four seasons she converted 202 extra points in 218 attempts.  

Bradshaw Chr.School's kicker
Jennie Lawson

According to the Cal-Hi Sports State Record Book and Almanac, the record of 206 points is held by Gio Podesto of Central Catholic. However, there is some contention as to whether that is accurate. Maxpreps is reporting that five kickers had more career points than Podesto. Francisco Olloqui of Serra High School had 246 points, Alex Ball of Westlake had 232, Trevor Romaine of Centennial scored 218 points, Charlie Vue of Grant finished with 217 points and Kenny Smart, who is still kicking for Central Catholic, has 213 points.

In defense of Lawson, all her points were on extra points whereas field goals and one-pointers were kicked by the others.

The national record for a female kicker, according to Maxpreps, is 223 points set by Dyllanne Deischer of Linton-Stockton High School in Linton, Ind.

Lawson's younger sister, Dani, a sophomore, will take over PAT duty now for Bradshaw. Jennie took four games off earlier this season to nurse the knee injury and during that time Dani was 23 of 24 in kicks.

The Pride has this weekend off and will face the winner of Foresthill and Brookside Christian in the second round of the Division VI playoffs on Nov. 22.

Four EGUSD Teams Make Football Playoffs

Four area football squads (and local private school, Bradshaw Christian) qualified for the football post-season. In brackets released Saturday by Sac-Joaquin Section officials, Franklin and Pleasant Grove both were inserted in the Division I playoffs, while Elk Grove and Cosumnes Oaks qualified as Division II contenders.

Pleasant Grove (8-2, 3-2 Delta River League) ended the year with loses to Oak Ridge and Folsom but hope to keep their season alive by opening the playoffs Friday at Downey High School when they take on Modesto (7-3).

Franklin (7-3, 4-1 Delta Valley Conference) ended in a three-way tie for the conference championship with Elk Grove and Grant thanks to last Friday's win over Monterey Trail. The Wildcats will play Pitman (7-3). The game was originally scheduled for Saturday at Cosumnes Oaks H.S., but it has now been switched to Friday at 7 p.m. at Sheldon's stadium.

In Division II, Elk Grove (9-1, 4-1 DVC) earned a three-seed and will open at home against Atwater (6-4). The No. 8-seeded Wolfpack open the post-season at home Friday against Whitney, another 7-3 club.

Franklin's 35-24 win over Monterey Trail eliminated the Mustangs (5-5, 2-3 DVC) from post-season contention.

Also failing to make the post-season was Sheldon (4-6, 1-4 DRL) who ended the year with a 34-21 win over Ponderosa.

Laguna Creek (1-9) concluded its Delta Valley Conference competition last Friday by losing to Grant. Next season the Cardinals will switch to the Metro Conference and join Florin and Valley and the Sacramento City School District high schools. The Vikings with its two wins (2-8, 2-5 Metro) had its biggest success on the football field since 2006.

The Panthers (3-7, 2-5 Metro) finished a disappointing year on a high note by defeating Valley, 52-16, Friday.

Bradshaw (8-2, 6-0) won the Sierra Delta League championship and has drawn a first-round bye this weekend in the Division VI playoffs. They will face the winner of Foresthill and Brookside Christian on Nov. 22 at home.

Intriguing Second Round Games

Let's assume all our area teams win this weekend (very likely.) Who will they face in the second round?

For Franklin it is probably going to be top-seeded Folsom. However, if there's a team with the athletes to stay with the high-octane Bulldogs, it's the Wildcats. Should be a fun game for the fans, at least.

Pleasant Grove will likely take on 9-1 Stagg, the second-seed in Division I. For a school named after one of the game's innovators (Amos Alonzo Stagg), it's good to see this Stockton school have great success this season.

In Division II, Elk Grove will probably see Luther Burbank, the Metro Conference champions, who has four players committed to Division I colleges, including the top defensive tackle in the area, Ngalu Tapa, and Calvin Green, one of the fastest runners around. Both are headed to Washington State next year.

Cosumnes Oaks will likely take on Del Oro, the top seed in D-II.

Tellez Earns High Praise For First Pro Season

Former Elk Grove slugger Rowdy Tellez has already caught the attention of many people inside the game of baseball.

Baseball America, considered to be one of the most reputable and thorough baseball publications, in its Oct. 29 issue ranked Tellez as the best late-round pick in its 2013 draft report card. The 6-4, 220-pound first baseman held out for a large signing bonus but was picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 30th round of the June draft.

"(Tellez) has the ability to become an above-average hitter because of his sound approach, ability to drive the ball to all fields and strong hand-eye coordination," the publication wrote in its Toronto team summary. "The left-handed-hitting Tellez could because an above average power hitter at the major league level and has unparalleled raw power in this class, especially to his pull side."

He played much of the summer following the draft with the Blue Jays' rookie league team in Dundein, Fla.

Fifteen Locals To Ink NLI Wednesday

This week marks a seven-day period in which current high school seniors in several sports can sign a National Letter-of-Intent with a college program.  At least fifteen EGUSD student-athletes will be signing their letters Wednesday morning, the first day of this earning signing period, at one big ceremony at the Trigg Building beginning at 7 a.m.

Five athletes from Pleasant Grove and four from Elk Grove lead the pack of future college prospects.  Two Sheldon athletes will also be signing letters as well as one each from Cosumnes Oaks, Florin, Monterey Trail and Laguna Creek.

The Pleasant Grove signees are Sarah Debnekoff (Golf - Morehead State), Martin Gonzalez (Soccer - Dominican University), Marissa Maligad (softball - Sacramento State), Vanessa Washington (softball - Delaware State University) and Aaliyah Pena (basketball - Cal/Riverside).

Representing Elk Grove are Derek Hill (baseball - Oregon), Kaitlin Pires (softball - Menlo College), Kimberly Wilburn (softball - Menlo College) and Morgan Evangelista (softball - Bowling Green University).

The pair from Sheldon are both softball players - Anessa Kaylor (San Jose State) and Zamari Hinton (Sacramento State).

Also inking a letter of intent Wednesday will be Julia Morales (softball - Oakland University) of Cosumnes Oaks, Dalayna Sampton (basketball - University of Hawaii) of Florin, Malik Pope (basketball - San Diego State) of Laguna Creek and Jasmine Redmon (basketball - University of Hawaii) of Monterey Trail.

According to the NCAA website,  high school seniors may sign a National Letter-of-Intent to play football between Feb. 5 and Apr. 1, 2014. The regular signing period for basketball players will open April 16, 2014, but close May 21, 2014 for Division I schools, Aug. 1, 2014 for Division II.

The regular signing period for field hockey, soccer, track and field, cross country and men's water polo is Feb. 5 through Aug. 1, 2014. For the other sports, it's Apr. 16 through Aug. 1, 2014.

St. Francis Ready To Grab SJS Water Polo Title

Steven Shaff is the Assistant Athletic Director at St. Francis High School and also the school's sports information director.

by Steven Shaff

St. Francis senior water polo goalie Sophie Rubino takes advantage of every moment of every day. And she needs it.

From the time her alarm clock rings at 5 a.m. until she lays down for the night, the day is full. The drive to be successful in school and in water polo at St. Francis High School starts with more than a ride into school each day. From her home in Penn Valley, Calif., Rubino commutes almost 70 miles each way.

St. Francis goalie Sophie Rubino

“Sophie is one of the most dedicated water polo players on the team,” said head coach Heather Moody. “Every day she has to commute an hour and a half each way and she is at practice until 9:00 p.m. each night. She is not getting home until late and then turning around again the next morning. It shows her commitment.”

For Rubino, a product of Mt. St. Mary’s Academy in Grass Valley, the daily schedule is routine now after four years and worth every minute.

“My sister (Gabriella ’11) went here before me,” said Rubino. “But I have always wanted to go to St. Francis because of the sports and the spirit of St. Francis is huge.”

After the drive each morning, she attends the normal school day until 3 p.m. She studies on campus or at a friend’s house every afternoon before either practicing or playing until late each night. Then, Rubino drives back home.

“I am exhausted when I get home,” said Rubino. “It has been a long day but at the same time I am proud of what I have done and the commitment I have placed throughout the day.”

Cosumnes Oaks Forfeits Last Friday's Game

The details are a bit sketchy, however, Sac-Joaquin Section officials announced that Cosumnes Oaks' football team played an ineligible player in last Friday's win over Liberty Ranch and as a result that game has been ruled a forfeit.

That player has not yet been identified, however, a source at the school said the player was not a regular participant and was given playing time late in the 45-17 victory. Instead of a 7-2 record and pretty much assured of the Sierra Valley League championship, the Wolfpack's record has dropped to 6-3.

They play River City this Friday, a 5-4 club that is 4-1 in the SVL. The winner of the game will take the SVL championship.

The forfeit raises Liberty Ranch's record to 4-2 in the league, 6-4 overall with a bye this weekend. They should send the Wolfpack a thank you note because the forfeit likely handed Liberty Ranch a spot in the playoffs.

PG, Franklin Win Team Tennis Openers; NorCal Girls Golf

In the Division I team championships, Pleasant Grove defeated Golden Valley, 8-1 while Franklin defeated Tracy, 6-3. Both were outbracket games.

Franklin will play St. Mary’s on Tuesday in the first round. Pleasant Grove will face Lincoln of Stockton. The Division I team quarterfinals will be played Monday, Nov. 11.

NorCal Girls’ Golf Championships

St. Francis of Mountain View won the team title at Monday’s NCGA/CIF Girls’ NorCal Golf Championships, played at Spring Creek Golf Club. St. Francis of Sacramento finished eighth overall with a score of 455, 22 strokes behind the Mountain View school.

In the individual scoring, Pleasant Grove’s Sarah Debnekoff shot a ten-over-par 83, ten strokes behind the medalist, Michelle Xie of Palo Alto. Debnekoff finished tied for 15^th place.

Three shots behind her was Emily Laskin of St. Francis of Sacramento. The Elk Grove resident fired a 13-over-par 86 to end up in 25^th place.

The top three teams and nine individual competitors who are not members of any of the top three teams will advance to the CIF State Golf Championships at Quail Lodge Golf Club in Carmel on Nov. 20.

Football Playoff Brackets To Be Announced Saturday

The football season ends Saturday afternoon. The football seeding committee meets that day and the final posting of the playoff brackets will be late Saturday afternoon. Like last year, the Sac-Joaquin Section will host a live online football playoff bracket show that will announce the match-ups a few moments before they are posted. The show will be live-streamed on the Section website, cifsjs.org, and will air somewhere around 4:30 pm.

In Divisions I-IV, there are 53 football teams with six or more wins currently. Section spokesman Will DeBoard says there are currently only two teams which don’t have six wins but have clinched playoff berths.

Oak Ridge Hands PG First Loss Of Year, 28-14

In a Delta River League matchup of two equally-matched clubs, Oak Ridge used a home field advantage, plus a solid offensive attack to defeat Pleasant Grove, 28-14, Friday night in El Dorado Hills.

With the loss, the Eagles dropped to 8-1 on the season, 3-1 in the DRL, a game behind first-place Folsom, which defeated Ponderosa, 52-0 to assure itself of at least a tie for the league title.

The Eagles just couldn't come up with a big defensive stop all night. The teams were tied at seven apiece at halftime, a half placed in 45 minutes.

After the Trojans took a 21-7 late third quarter lead, Esley Simmons returned a kick off 66 yards into Oak Ridge territory. The third quarter ended with Pleasant Grove at the Trojans' 13-yard line. However, the Eagles gave the ball over on downs at the ten.

Pleasant Grove will conclude the regular season next Friday with a game against the Bulldogs. If the Eagles can pull out a big upset, there would likely be a three-way tie for the DRL championship with the Trojans. However, Folsom is shooting for its third straight league title and a perfect 10-0 regular season. (stats for Pleasant Grove vs. Oak Ridge is below)

More scores of local interest: