Merced, Buhach Colony both eliminated from football playoffs, Le Grand advances in rout
The Merced High football team battled but came up short in a 42-28 playoff loss to No. 4 seed Christian Brothers in Sacramento on Friday night.
Bears sophomore quarterback Quintell Dupree scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to cut the Falcons lead to 35-28 with 5 minutes and 33 seconds left.
However, Christian Brothers answered with a touchdown and the Bears turned the ball over on downs with about 3 minutes left in the game.
Fifth-seeded Merced (7-5) erased a 14-0 deficit early as receiver Jack Collins threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Dupree to cut the Falcons’ lead to 14-7.
Collins then hauled in a 15-yard touchdown catch to cut Christian Brother’s lead to 21-14 with 4:31 left in the second quarter.
The Bears tied the game at 21-21 late in the first half as Jalonn Booth forced a fumble and scooped the ball up scored a touchdown.
However, the Merced offense could only score the one touchdown in the second half.
Christian Brothers (9-2) advances to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III semifinals next week against No. 8 Woodcreek, which upset No. 1 seed Placer 26-21 on Friday.
Vanden 28, Buhach Colony 3 — The No. 9 seeded Thunder played the top-seeded Vikings tough but couldn’t put the ball in the end zone.
Vanden (10-1) scored on two short touchdown runs to build a 14-3 lead at the half.
The Vikings will host No. 4 Kimball in the semifinals next week.
Le Grand 49, Delta 0 — The No. 2 Bulldogs turned five turnovers into five touchdowns in a rout in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII playoffs.
Le Grand running back Louie Aguallo rushed for 92 yards and three touchdowns on nine carries. Alexis Granados added 123 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Bulldogs quarterback Julian Bucio tossed two touchdowns to Ronnie Ramirez and Reyes Diaz.
Le Grand will face No. 3 Woodland Christian next week in the semifinals in a rematch of last year’s Division VII championship game won by the Bulldogs. Woodland Christian defeated Gustine 45-8.
