Le Grand’s goal to repeat as section champs falls short. ‘This is supposed to hurt’
The emotions hit Le Grand High School football coach Aaron Martinez suddenly as he was talking to his players after Friday night’s game.
Martinez’s eyes watered as he addressed his team after a 44-0 loss to Woodland Christian in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII semifinals.
“This is supposed to hurt,” Martinez said. “It’s supposed to hurt when you put your heart and soul into it like you guys did.”
It was an emotional moment for Martinez because he knew it was the last time he would coach a group of seniors he credits for helping turn the Bulldogs program around. A group that set the foundation for a team that won a section championship last year and made another postseason run this year.
Senior quarterback Julian Bucio needed a moment to compose himself after the game. Senior lineman Fermin Villegas gave each of his coaches a bear hug as he made his way off Geary-Fontes Field one last time.
“I just told them I appreciate their commitment,” Martinez said. “In a few short years, I told these seniors they are a big part in a big transition. They’ve raised expectations, they’ve turned this program around.”
The Bulldogs took home the blue banner last year after dominating Woodland Christian 35-12 in the championship game.
On Friday night it was the No. 3 seeded Cardinals (11-1) controlling the game from the opening kickoff.
Woodland Christian scored touchdowns on all seven of its offensive possessions, controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
With an influx of transfers, the Cardinals were a very different team than the one Le Grand faced last year.
“You have about 13 or 14 different guys for them, this is a different team all together,” Martinez said.
Senior defensive end Jordan Sacramento, who was one of those new players this season for the Cardinals, recorded two sacks.
Junior two-way lineman Noah Rico, who is listed at 6-foot-4 and 350 pounds, helped anchor both lines.
“They were really, really tough on the inside,” Martinez said. “We’re predicated on kind of getting that going, it gets our passing game going and to their credit they were really good, they were stout in there and they took away what we like to do.”
The No. 2 seeded Bulldogs (9-3) were held to just 60 yards rushing in the game.
“That first drive they kind of stuffed the run and that’s what we’ve been killing teams with these past few games,” Bucio said. “You know we’ve put up 200, almost 300 yards (rushing) and credit to them for stopping it. They have some big dudes and they kind of set the tone.”
Meanwhile, Woodland Christian star Billy Hinkle rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. Keigi Kungu added 90 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
The Cardinals racked up 409 yards rushing on the night.
Woodland Christian will advance to next week’s section championship game against No. 1 seed Ripon Christian, which defeated No. 4 Stone Ridge Christian 55-12 on Friday.
Le Grand’s bid for back-to-back section titles fell short.
“It’s sad to see the high school football career come to an end, but in my opinion we were pretty successful,” Bucio said. “I can’t be mad, can’t be sad about it but it does suck to end this way.”
Ripon Christian 55, Stone Ridge Christian 12 — Stone Ridge Christian saw its season come to an end against No. 1 seeded Ripon Christian in the other Sac-Joaquin Section Division VII semifinal.
Running back Hector Esquivez scored two rushing touchdowns for SRC, which finishes the season with a 9-3 record.
Atascadero 35, Dos Palos 0 — Greyhounds quarterback Kane Cooks threw three touchdowns as No. 2 seeded Atascadero advances to the Central Section Division V championship game next week.
Broncos freshman running back Andre Flores carried the ball 17 times for 147 yards.
Dos Palos was shutout for the first time this season. The Broncos finish the year with a 7-6 record.
This story was originally published November 18, 2022 at 11:32 PM.
