Hilmar's Olson gets his wish

HILMAR — This is what Andrew Olson wanted. The Hilmar senior couldn't have dreamed up a better script for his final high school game.

A shot at a blue banner, the token awarded to a Sac-Joaquin Section champion.

Another opportunity to beat the defending state champs.

A chance to redeem himself after throwing two interceptions in the first game against Escalon.

That's why the Yellowjackets quarterback was a little disappointed when he heard the early updates last Friday when Central Catholic had jumped out to a 17-0 lead against Escalon.

"We were up 23-7 at the time and we could hear the updates," Olson said. "When Central was ahead 17-0, we started to get excited. It looked like we were going to play Central Catholic, but in the back of my mind I wanted Escalon."

Friday night he'll get his chance when Hilmar (11-2) faces Escalon (13-0) for the Division 4 championship at Lincoln High in Stockton.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30.

Not many people would want to face a team that has won 25 straight games.

Olson wouldn't have it any other way.

"Other than a state championship game, I can't think of a better way to go out than playing a state champion," he said. "I'm excited, but I don't want to get too excited. Last time we played them I think I got too excited, too nervous."

Hilmar hasn't had to rely too much on Olson during its playoff run. He has thrown just five touchdowns in the postseason as the Yellowjackets have been able to power through Linden, Livingston and Liberty Ranch with their running game.

That won't be as easy against a stout Escalon defense which has given up just 85 points in 13 games. The Cougars shut out Hilmar 10-0 on Oct. 28.

"We had opportunities last time, we didn't take advantage of them," Olson said. "We dropped some passes. We fumbled the ball. We missed a couple field goals. I threw two interceptions.

"You can play good defense, but if you can't make anything happen on offense you're not going to win."

Olson put much of the blame on himself after the loss. That's why he's wanted another crack at the Cougars.

"First, I have total faith in our offensive line," Olson said. "I had enough time last game, I just made some bad decisions. This time I'm going to make better decisions. I'm not going to hold on to the ball as long. I'm going to read their defense better."

Hilmar coach Frank Marques thinks Olson took too much of the blame and doesn't feel Olson needs to try to do too much this time around.

"The thing is we don't need him to play great," Marques said. "He has a lot of weapons around him. We all expect him to do his part. He's a piece of the puzzle.

"When Nathan (Costa) was here, he had to carry the team on his shoulders. Andrew doesn't have to do that. He doesn't have that pressure because of the talent around him."

Olson hasn't thrown an interception in the playoffs. He's thrown for 1,531 yards and 23 touchdowns to go along with just four interceptions this season.

"I think he's an excellent quarterback," said Escalon coach Mark Loureiro. "Looking at every film, he has a great understanding of the opponent's defense. Even being around him you can tell he's an excellent leader. When your quarterback has the respect of his teammates that adds so much more to the program."