With its offense sputtering early once again, the Bulldogs defense was waiting in the wings to step up and spark a 28-21 triumph Saturday in El Toro Bowl V at Richert Field
The ball hung in the twilit sky for what seemed like forever. Jake Sanchez knew exactly where it was going.
In preparation for Saturday’s El Toro Bowl, the steadfast Sobrato linebacker paid close attention to Live Oak’s offense, particularly the location of tailback Trevor Bearden on every play. When Sanchez saw the Clydesdale-like, 6-foot sophomore sprint away from a rolling out Taylor Turnipseed midway through the second quarter at Richert Field, he broke toward the flat, hoping to intercept the screen pass he knew was coming.
“We practiced it all week, so I just had to read it and stay at home,” the senior said modestly.
A bobbled catch and 55 yards later, it was Sanchez who held the ball in an end zone as teammates mobbed him to celebrate his pick six, the type of play that goes hand in hand with big wins.
With its offense sputtering early once again, the Bulldogs defense was waiting in the wings to step up and spark a 28-21 triumph that justified Sobrato as the odds-on favorite this week, an El Toro Bowl first for the Bulldogs.
Now they have a second city title to go with it.
“The defense inspired us in that first half. I was really proud of them,” said Sobrato quarterback Jerry Jacob, who completed seven of 14 for 125 yards and a short touchdown pass to wideout Anthony Villarreal that stood as the game-winning score. “They fought really well the whole time. I think (the offense) just had some nerves again, but the defense was ready.”
Sanchez got in on about a dozen tackles and had two sacks, and Isiah Hardy intercepted a pass in the SHS end zone during the second quarter, as the Bulldogs (2-1) worked a near shutout in the first half.
“Going into the season, our defense was seen as a weak point,” SHS wingback/defensive back Derrick Taylor said. “Now our defense is carrying us.”
Sobrato’s lone blemish in the opening half came on the final play, with Bearden hauling in a Hail Mary pass from Turnipseed (nine for 23 for 107 yards) between two defenders at the sideline and fighting through a would-be tackler to complete a 45-yard strike.
The Bulldogs took a 14-0 lead on Drew Glines’ 1-yard sweep with one minute, 30 seconds left until the break, but their offense was mostly nonexistent in the first half, gaining 84 yards in 19 plays.
Live Oak, now 0-3 for the first time since their last defeat to Sobrato in 2009, ate up chunks of time behind Bearden, whose El Toro Bowl-record 189 rushing yards and 80 receiving yards eclipsed the Bulldogs’ total output (260 yards).
Star SHS fullback Obi Mbonu was held to 38 rushing yards, his lowest total in two years, and was stripped by LOHS defensive tackle Derek Satterlee in the second quarter.
“They had a great game plan, and I thought they executed it well,” said Sobrato coach Nick Borello, now 2-2 in the series. “They played their best game of the year just like I said they would. Our guys were able to settle down and win the second half.
“It’s always satisfying to win the El Toro Bowl no matter how you do it.”
Showing no quit, Live Oak trimmed a three-touchdown deficit to 28-21 in the fourth quarter, which left a bad taste in the Bulldogs’ mouths. The Acorns, however, took too long to start scoring.
“We’re not satisfied because we didn’t win, but we can’t walk away unhappy,” Satterlee said. “That was the biggest fight we’ve put up. They may have won the game, but I feel like we won something, too.”
Mike Gemo stared at the scoreboard for a good few seconds after his first El Toro Bowl as Acorns coach ended. The wait for win No. 1 continues.
“I’m extremely proud of our defense and for the way the guys didn’t give up,” he said. “I think we’ve got some great things going for us heading into league.”
The Bulldogs won by winning the battle for field position in the third quarter. Their opening drive covered 70 yards in eight plays, with Jacob finding Villarreal and tight end Alex Hagiperos open in man-to-man coverage. Taylor capped it with a 1-yard touchdown run.
The Acorns punted from their 11-yard line after three plays on the next series, and Sobrato took over at the LOHS 28. Five plays later Jacob hit Villarreal on a slant underneath for a 13-yard score, making it 28-7.
Earlier in the drive Jacob connected with Steven Villarreal, Anthony’s twin, down the sideline for 25 yards on a third-and-16.
“They were going head up against us, and our receivers did a great job getting open,” Jacob said. “Our O-line was huge, too — no sacks.”
The Bulldogs drove deep into LOHS territory again to start the fourth quarter but were turned away scoreless when Shawn Henner’s 27-yard field goal was partially blocked.
“Guys just kept stepping up. We were proud to see that,” Live Oak wideout/linebacker Austin Carvalho said.
The Acorns finally struck back on the next play. Bearden broke loose on an inside run for 63 yards and a touchdown, cutting the SHS lead to 28-14.
“You have a player like that; it’s extremely difficult to hold him without a big play, let alone two or three,” Borello said. “That one at the end of the first half, a player like that builds on that. He’s gonna want to make another big one, and he did.”
Live Oak got the ball back with 3:46 left and made it a one-score game with a 17-play drive that included two fourth-down conversions. Matt Dariano’s 3-yard touchdown run gave the Acorns a glimmer of hope with 32 seconds left, as kicker Ben Hartl, playing in his first varsity football game, lined up for an onside kick.
Sobrato’s Erick Zepeda fair caught it. And the chants of “this is our town” began once again from the home side, just as they did at the end of the previous four El Toro bowls.
“It’s great for the seniors, winning our last game against Live Oak,” Taylor said. “But we wanted to win by more, so we’re still hungry. That’ll fuel the flame of our season.”
NOTE: Live Oak and Sobrato open league play Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, respectively, following byes next week. The Acorns host Leland in Mount Hamilton Division play, and the Bulldogs welcome Westmont in the Santa Teresa Division.
