Golden Valley uses big plays to defeat Chowchilla, snap 10-game losing streak
Golden Valley offensive line coach Sam Croninger gave senior running back Jabari Phillips some advice on the sideline on Friday night.
“Trust the hole.”
Phillips’ trust paid off as the Cougars star ran wild, racking up 216 yards on just nine carries, scoring on three long runs to lead Golden Valley to a 40-14 win over Chowchilla at Veterans Stadium.
The win was Golden Valley’s first since Oct. 18, 2019, snapping a 10-game losing streak.
“It feels amazing,” Phillips said. “We had two games this season where we felt we should have got a victory. This win tonight means a lot, especially in front of our family and supporters.”
The Cougars (1-2) hit the Tribe (0-3) with a flurry of big plays throughout the game.
It started with Phillips’ 60-yard touchdown run on the Cougars’ first and only offensive play in the first quarter.
It was Golden Valley’s only offensive play of the opening quarter because sophomore defensive back Jonah White returned an intercepted 40 yards for a touchdown and junior Jaden Alvarez blocked a field goal and returned it 80 yards for a score to give Golden Valley a 21-0 lead with 35 seconds left in the first quarter.
It was one of two interceptions on the night for White.
“As a coach you love to see your team score in all aspects of the game,” said Golden Valley coach Rick Martinez. “I’ve always believed special teams is a big part of the game.”
Phillips hit the Pride for two more long touchdown runs in the third quarter, scoring on a 60-yard run and a 78-yard run to extend the lead to 33-0.
Phillips has scored eight touchdowns in the Cougars’ first three games.
“He’s pretty darn special,” Martinez said. “He can fix a lot of mistakes. He’s got great balance, vision and speed.”
Phillips gave credit to the advice he received from Croninger and the offensive line.
“I just trusted my blocks,” Phillips said. “The holes opened up, I caught a seam and I was gone.”
Chowchilla was outmatched but the Tribe kept fighting as Austin Laird scored on a 20-yard touchdown run and Waleed Escheik recovered a Golden Valley fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.
The win was an emotional one for Martinez, whose son Ricky and his three grandsons were involved in a traffic collision earlier this week. Martinez was back and forth making stops at practice and visiting his grandson at Valley Childrens Hospital in Madera.
“This was a bad week for me,” Martinez told his players after the game. “The worst thing I’ve ever experienced in my life. I’ve got a little guy fighting in the hospital. You guys picked me up this week.”
Phillips said this win was for his coach.
“This week was stressful for him,” Phillips said. “Getting this win was important for him. We were able to put a smile on his face.”
This story was originally published September 4, 2021 at 1:10 AM.
