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Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009

James Burns: Sanchez wasn't perfect, but he owned big moment

Kids say the darnedest things, most of which are never true.

But every once in awhile, they make a point that stops you dead in your tracks and forces you to think.

Hmmm...

Angel Molina, never shy in front of a microphone or a note-taking journalist, dropped one of those jewels on us about a month back.

The stout Atwater running back, built like a concert speaker and as loud as one too, said this: Quarterback Nathan Sanchez is one of the best at his position.

Not in the city of Atwater.

Not in the Central California Conference.

But in all of Northern California.

You might have laughed it off when you read it, probably because you've never watched Sanchez operate.

But those who have...

Well, they believe.

Sanchez stated his case once more on Friday evening, picking the CCC's biggest stage -- Stadium '76, against Merced -- to will Atwater to the most improbable of victories.

Sanchez, the grizzly, gutty senior with sandpaper stubble, engineered a comeback that would have made Last-Minute Legends John Elway and Joe Montana blush.

He connected with Steven Odom on a play they invented in practice earlier this week for the go-ahead score with 5 seconds left.

Just for good measure, Sanchez held the ball on the point-after attempt, racing toward his sideline in jubilation the moment he knew it was good.

Atwater 21.

Merced, gulp, 20.

"I think he just proved my point," Molina said, licking the blood off his two front teeth.

"Under pressure, he still makes the big play. He's a great quarterback, one of the best.

"I can see it in his eyes. We can feel that fire. He's the gas to our offense."

The victory not only snapped Merced's 21-game unbeaten streak in conference play, but it pulled the veil off of the bride, revealing all of her pimples and pockmarks.

Merced is offensively challenged against good defenses, at the mercy of running back Eric DeAnda and his ability to move the pile.

It still possesses the big play, but makes too many mistakes to be consistent or effective. Twice touchdowns were negated by penalty.

And watching Merced press and push on offense, you got the feeling that they knew they were racing against the clock, praying the defense could contain ol' No. 5.

Not this time.

"He's our leader," Odom said.

That much was clear.

Sanchez was far from perfect on Friday. He'd be the first to admit it.

He threw two interceptions, including one that eventually led to a Merced touchdown and a 14-7 halftime deficit.

He was sacked three times, completed less than 50 percent of his passes (8 of 18) and missed a few tackles on defense.

But he owned the big moment, grabbing it and making it his own -- like all the great players do.

With less than two minutes left and the ball on his own 25-yard line, Sanchez went to work.

He had only one thought: Perfection.

"On a two-minute drill like that you have to be perfect," Sanchez said. "No mistakes.

"I try to have a short memory and forget about the rest of the game."

His game-winning throw will live in infamy as long as the Santa Fe Bowl exists, but it wouldn't have been possible without the completion just before it.

Sanchez rolled to his right on a designed screen pass and was nearly sacked by Jared Mounce, who spun off the corner.

Sanchez quickly looked to his right, flipping a pass past the oncoming rush.

Molina picked up 19 yards, and two plays later Atwater was chanting, "21 stops now!" as Merced lurched off the field.

"Greatest game I've ever been a part of," Atwater coach Bob Valladao said.

Added Sanchez: "I've wanted this for three years now. It feels better than I expected. I'm excited, but I'm trying to stay composed."

He paused, looking down at his feet.

"My feet hurt really bad right now. It's these cleats, they're like three years old."

Yep, kids say the darnedest things.

James Burns is sports editor of the Sun-Star. He can be reached at jburns@mercedsun-star.com.