I feel you there!!!… Those Kids Played their hearts out….. Mad Respect for SM one of Nor Cal’s Great Programs!!!!….. 🍻
St. Mary’s-Stockton at Rocklin - FRI 12-19
- Thread starter ThunderRam
- Start date
Rocklin had no biz winning. St Mary’s had that game. That will hurt for a long time.
The way ST Mary’s was moving the Ball I thought it was game over when they were up by 10…..
Rocklins D with the Big 4th down stop to get them back in it….. Don’t know why SM didn’t just run out the clock and take it to OT instead of the long pass that was picked off and led to the GW FG…..
Amazing Game, all those kids left everything on the field, what a treat that was to watch!!!….🍻
Overlooked play of the night (IMHO)
SM ball, up 48-45. 3rd and 8ish, about 2 min to go, Rocklin down to their last time out.
Rams chose to run wide and RB gets pushed out of bounds, stops clock and saves Rocklins last time out.
SM ball, up 48-45. 3rd and 8ish, about 2 min to go, Rocklin down to their last time out.
Rams chose to run wide and RB gets pushed out of bounds, stops clock and saves Rocklins last time out.
I'm moderately shocked by the St. Mary's vs. Rocklin score. Well done by St. Mary's to push the big dog team to the wall. I know that is small consolation, but it is still an impressive accomplishment. No one else had done so all season.
Ok. Just got back from the game. My phone battery died so I didn’t get any video of the final stages of the game.
Anyway, I’ll say first — when you’re playing good teams in the 2nd round of the playoffs and beyond, it’s hard enough to win as it is but even harder when you spot the opposition 14 points before your offense touches the ball.
But that’s what the Thunder did tonight and not many teams could have managed it.
Honestly, I still can’t believe they actually completed the comeback considering how poorly they tackled defensively and how bad they were adjusting to the Rams rush attack.
If there was more time on the clock, the Rams would still be punishing the Thunder with the left sweep with Jason Calvin running it. Even when they got push and had leverage to tackle him behind the LOS the kid would run through or around it. They couldn’t tackle him. Props to the kid and SM’s but also uncharacteristic of this defense.
The key to the game was SM’s getting out to that 14-0 start. It allowed them to play with the lead for most the game, which was huge. IMO had the Rams been behind, it’s a much different game as I don’t believe they had the passing game to keep up. Also, Rocklin’s secondary is really good.
But they did get out to that lead largely due to 2 poor plays by the Thunder, who managed to allow a kick return TD despite pooch kicking it (great play by Jadyn Marshall) then doubled down by watching the Rams recover the ensuing pooch kick as if they didn’t know it was a live ball.
It was an uphill battle for Rocklin from there. Luckily after a dropped TD pass, the Thunder offense was up to the challenge. The Rams had difficulty stopping them most the game. Via the pass or run.
Key plays were the long 89 yarder to Nathan Kent then the quick response TD after St. Mary’s went up 48-38 with around 4 minutes to play.
Biggest swing of the game, aside from Derek Houston’s fumble return in the 1st half, was the Rocklin D stepping to stop the Rams on 4th and 2 with under 2 minutes to go. Just before that play, #4 Jason Calvin put his head down and nearly converted 3rd and 8 but came up a bit short and went out of bounds in the process setting up the game tying drive.
Rocklin looked like they were going to possibly score a TD a bit too early (on a Marino-esque fake spike pass play) but a key penalty left their kicker in a pressure packed situation needing to convert a 38 yard FG.
Coincidentally, while waiting in line to get into the stadium, my wife and I were engaged in conversation with who we then discovered was Macgregor Teselle’s (the kicker) dad. Little did we know then that his son would prominently figure in the outcome.
Teselle replaced all-world kicker Cole Becker, who is now at Colorado. We learned that he was a soccer player that decided to play football during covid because there weren’t many sports permitted to play during the initial pandemic and he “needed to do something”.
Well, he sure did something tonight!
All in all, what a game! I thought Rocklin killed themselves early and wouldn’t be able to come back. But they did. Then SM’s bounced back and put it on them again getting up 10 late. And I thought Rocklin was likely done again. But they weren’t.
I knew coming in that St. Mary’s shouldn’t be discounted. They are a top team every season for a reason. And they showed why tonight. Tremendous program. Tremendous coaching staff.
This was by far the best playoff game I’ve witnessed in person since the 2009 classics in Folsom between Grant Union and Rocklin and Del Oro and Folsom on consecutive nights.
Unreal game.
Anyway, I’ll say first — when you’re playing good teams in the 2nd round of the playoffs and beyond, it’s hard enough to win as it is but even harder when you spot the opposition 14 points before your offense touches the ball.
But that’s what the Thunder did tonight and not many teams could have managed it.
Honestly, I still can’t believe they actually completed the comeback considering how poorly they tackled defensively and how bad they were adjusting to the Rams rush attack.
If there was more time on the clock, the Rams would still be punishing the Thunder with the left sweep with Jason Calvin running it. Even when they got push and had leverage to tackle him behind the LOS the kid would run through or around it. They couldn’t tackle him. Props to the kid and SM’s but also uncharacteristic of this defense.
The key to the game was SM’s getting out to that 14-0 start. It allowed them to play with the lead for most the game, which was huge. IMO had the Rams been behind, it’s a much different game as I don’t believe they had the passing game to keep up. Also, Rocklin’s secondary is really good.
But they did get out to that lead largely due to 2 poor plays by the Thunder, who managed to allow a kick return TD despite pooch kicking it (great play by Jadyn Marshall) then doubled down by watching the Rams recover the ensuing pooch kick as if they didn’t know it was a live ball.
It was an uphill battle for Rocklin from there. Luckily after a dropped TD pass, the Thunder offense was up to the challenge. The Rams had difficulty stopping them most the game. Via the pass or run.
Key plays were the long 89 yarder to Nathan Kent then the quick response TD after St. Mary’s went up 48-38 with around 4 minutes to play.
Biggest swing of the game, aside from Derek Houston’s fumble return in the 1st half, was the Rocklin D stepping to stop the Rams on 4th and 2 with under 2 minutes to go. Just before that play, #4 Jason Calvin put his head down and nearly converted 3rd and 8 but came up a bit short and went out of bounds in the process setting up the game tying drive.
Rocklin looked like they were going to possibly score a TD a bit too early (on a Marino-esque fake spike pass play) but a key penalty left their kicker in a pressure packed situation needing to convert a 38 yard FG.
Coincidentally, while waiting in line to get into the stadium, my wife and I were engaged in conversation with who we then discovered was Macgregor Teselle’s (the kicker) dad. Little did we know then that his son would prominently figure in the outcome.
Teselle replaced all-world kicker Cole Becker, who is now at Colorado. We learned that he was a soccer player that decided to play football during covid because there weren’t many sports permitted to play during the initial pandemic and he “needed to do something”.
Well, he sure did something tonight!
All in all, what a game! I thought Rocklin killed themselves early and wouldn’t be able to come back. But they did. Then SM’s bounced back and put it on them again getting up 10 late. And I thought Rocklin was likely done again. But they weren’t.
I knew coming in that St. Mary’s shouldn’t be discounted. They are a top team every season for a reason. And they showed why tonight. Tremendous program. Tremendous coaching staff.
This was by far the best playoff game I’ve witnessed in person since the 2009 classics in Folsom between Grant Union and Rocklin and Del Oro and Folsom on consecutive nights.
Unreal game.
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Aside from the first two plays of the game — which greatly dictated how the game would be played from that point on — the play you described set up the biggest play of the game, which was the 4th down stop.
I can’t fault Jason Calvin for putting his head down and going for it. The kid is a gamer and went for it all game long. The play they ran is the play Rocklin couldn’t stop pretty much all game long. IIRC even on that play Rocklin got penetration but Calvin beat it to the outside and nearly converted.
Even if he does get out of bounds, Rocklin still had plenty of time to score the game tying FG. They just wouldn’t have had time for the game winner.
On that topic, I called out the late interception to those I was watching the game with. I had a strong feeling about it when the Rams QB was in a position needing to throw rather than playing from a position of strength and not having to.
Gotta really question the decision by Coach Franks to not kneel and play for guaranteed OT.
Still can’t believe SM went for the bomb and was picked with :45 or so left.
One of the best post, and game recaps. TR I sat next to the kickers mom and she sobbed tears of joy, I'm not even sure he was kicker #1 this season.
On another note pointed out earlier, St. Mary's is the real deal, such class fans and class players. Rocklin got a little lucky tonight in the last 2 mins. I was sad to see those St. Mary's kids walk to the locker room, but they are straight ballers. #4 is unreal for his size.
I'm also in shock that rocklins defense struggled so much with outside zone. But honestly their team "rams" are so well coached and run it to perfection albeit holding all night. You had to worry about jet vs. outside tackle vs. Mobile qb. They really move the poa, pocket in run game. Pick your poison.
Yeah, his dad said they had 3 kickers when he first joined the team. I honestly don’t recall whether he has been the guy all season, but I’ve noticed the kicking game getting better and better throughout the season. Might be because he got the job.
Yes, the Thunder got some breaks late, but they also had to overcome some bad breaks to get there. There were some terrible officiating calls (on both sides) but two I know of that resulted in negating a possible score for them and setting up a score for the Rams.
Again, I circle back to the 1st two plays of the game. If SM’s doesn’t get up 14 early, the game is played differently and more in Rocklin’s favor. SM’s offense isn’t built to play from behind (against Rocklin’s defense) as the Thunder was able to do against them.
They let you set the edge then hold you wide, pull g's and your lb scraping gets one shot playing dirty in traffic. Refs dont call inside shoulder holds with de fighting down it seems.
There was a noticeable difference when the Rams ran to their left versus right. I recall one play in the 1st half when Jadyn Marshall broke a couple tackles going right and made a huge run, but most everything else was going left.
SM’s never really had to throw the ball. Only when they wanted to, which is a huge advantage. But even then they didn’t really hurt Rocklin too much with it. Calvin and the sweep left is what really hurt them. Great job by their o-line and individual effort by the diminutive Calvin.
Wide side of the field, no Apex. Yes, no passing game, ground and pound. #4 Calvin was phenomenal
Also, Joey may not be Kenny but he looked like brady in the last minute. Textbook 2 min, clock management.
On that topic, is Kenny gonna play? I’ve heard for a couple weeks he may not be done.
There‘s “potentially” 3 games remaining.
Joey is only a junior and the future of the program at QB, but Kenny brings something different to the table if he’s good to go.
I've heard rumors hes done. Rumors hes going to spin it vs. Folsom/Jesuit, very possible. Who knows what to believe but its Joey's team now.
I hate when I’m right
I just knew better than to underestimate St. Mary’s.
Freaking phenomenal game. Sad there had to be a loser.
If you recall, I had stated miracles do happen. However, I was leaning on a miracle for the Rams. Instead, the miracle was for the Thunder, and ironically it ended very similar to St. Mary’s defeat of the Lincoln Trojans to end the regular season. Down by 10 with minutes left St. Mary’s defeated Lincoln of Stockton by converting an INT into the winning score. As a St. Mary’s fan along with the many others in the stands, I thought for certain the winning streak (since 2006) vs their cross-town rival, Lincoln, was over. The feeling of euphoria was incredible as we witnessed the Rams come from behind to beat the Trojans. Likewise, I am certain the Thunder fans felt the same euphoria with this victory. Again, one heck of a game! Congrats to Rocklin!
Thunder , when rocklin went to state didn’t they have a really good kicker too!? Having those weapons is such a luxury. I will be reporting from Jesuit vs Folsom. Hope it’s 1/2 as good as this one. Thanks my friend .Yeah, his dad said they had 3 kickers when he first joined the team. I honestly don’t recall whether he has been the guy all season, but I’ve noticed the kicking game getting better and better throughout the season. Might be because he got the job.
Yes, the Thunder got some breaks late, but they also had to overcome some bad breaks to get there. There were some terrible officiating calls (on both sides) but two I know of that resulted in negating a possible score for them and setting up a score for the Rams.
Again, I circle back to the 1st two plays of the game. If SM’s doesn’t get up 14 early, the game is played differently and more in Rocklin’s favor. SM’s offense isn’t built to play from behind (against Rocklin’s defense) as the Thunder was able to do against them.
TR. Thanks for the recap play by play. Relived the game when I got home. Side note.. I was sitting next to one of the dads, he said the normal kicker would send the ball into the end zone regularly. This was the backup.
SM gave the game away for sure.... like their comeback v lincoln, and NE comeback against Atl in the superbowl... one play doesn't swing the winner's way and there is no comeback.
BUT....
this game should've gone into overtime.
with the game tied, after the pick... 40 sec left... 1st down, incomplete. 2nd down: SACK! timekeeper STOPS THE CLOCK! they take forever to fix it allowing rocklin to call a play, get set, and by the time the whistle blew, they snapped the ball immediately... that play was the qb scramble+penalty to get them into FG range with 1.9 sec on the clock.
yeah... there should not have been a FG attempt.
I'm of the opinion this was intentional, and you will never change my mind.
cheaters.
Gave the game away. but should've been OT. would've been even more of an instant classic... the cheating taints the game, imo.
BUT....
this game should've gone into overtime.
with the game tied, after the pick... 40 sec left... 1st down, incomplete. 2nd down: SACK! timekeeper STOPS THE CLOCK! they take forever to fix it allowing rocklin to call a play, get set, and by the time the whistle blew, they snapped the ball immediately... that play was the qb scramble+penalty to get them into FG range with 1.9 sec on the clock.
yeah... there should not have been a FG attempt.
I'm of the opinion this was intentional, and you will never change my mind.
cheaters.
Gave the game away. but should've been OT. would've been even more of an instant classic... the cheating taints the game, imo.
not questionable.
the rocklin player after making the nice play... stood at SM sideline, faced the sideline, and saluted.. right in front of the ref.
textbook taunting. good call. stupid move by the player.
Not especially. Servite ended up edging them in the SBG with a college level kicker.
The same ref signaled for the clock to stop after the sack, then proceeded to throw the 15 yard penalty which was not a late hit. He is the same ref who threw the 15 yard face mask earlier that was not a face mask. Gotta wonder if he’s a Rocklin alum or just a terrible ref. In defense of the Rocklin clock operator, it was not their fault about the stoppage. It was due to the line judge on the Rocklin sideline who seemed determined to hand the game to the Thunder.
Funny thing.....with the game tied....why chuck the ball deep and allow for the pick?
That is on the SM staff...
Then not one but two refs make the same call.....Looking at film....the SM player hits the qb as he is going OB....and he had just stepped OB.... .....and forced him to crash into the official....sucks but it was a late hit...
Great game....the calls went both ways...all nite...
That is on the SM staff...
Then not one but two refs make the same call.....Looking at film....the SM player hits the qb as he is going OB....and he had just stepped OB.... .....and forced him to crash into the official....sucks but it was a late hit...
Great game....the calls went both ways...all nite...
38 seconds, 2 timeouts is enough time to get into field goal range. Maybe if they would have known the refs were willing to stop the clock for no reason they would have just run the ball.
Would love to see the film clip you refer to as I dont see any video of the qb’s foot out of bounds before the hit. Watched it a number of times. Don’t see it. Line judge that makes the call does so after getting lobbied by the rocklin coaches and players. Also not the defensive players job to determine if a player who has made no attempt to go out of bounds may have stepped on the line. If the ref has not blown the whistle and the qb has not made any effort to go out of bounds it’s not a late hit. “Both ways” implies a call in error against Rocklin. Would also love to see video of that call. Not that any Rocklin fan is going to admit they benefitted from the refs and there is no accountability for high school refs, so not even sure why I’m venting about this on a message board. Trying to decide as an SM fan if I want Rocklin to do well going forward (I usually root for SJS teams) or if I’m rooting for a bit of karma against Folsom and/or DLS.
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Funny, but were the refs “cheating“ when numerous questionable calls went St. Mary’s way?
It’s really convenient how it doesn’t seem to work in both directions, according to some.
Officiating in HS is typically bad on the whole. This isn’t breaking news.
Many fans on the Rocklin side of the stands thought the officials had it out for their team most the game. Clearly a lot of SM’s fans felt the officials had it out for their team.
Par for the course, really.
Truth is, both teams had numerous opportunities to overcome slights and poor calls against them. In the end the team that did the best job of it won the game.
To quote a famous classic movie: “The rest of this is just smoke-filled-coffeehouse crap!”
Again, name the questionable call that went against Rocklin. Hard to tell if it’s bias or ineptitude. Probably the latter. But the last 40 seconds was particularly brutal.
late in the game 29 grabs RHS#4 by the jersey at the neck...it is very clear he is holding him and not releasing him to go into a route.......then the QB runs and 4 turns to block for the QB on a scramble.....29 stil has him by the jersey yet the ref called rhs for holding? WTF.....it is clear as can be,,,,,,,secondly I looked at a buddies film and the side judge has an unobstructed view and throws the flag on the late hit......QB steps OB and dives at him hitting him as he goes OB...... who had the best view? You across the field? Again if SM didnt chuck an underthrown ball up for grabs this might be mute....
Nope. Penalty wasn’t on the WR for holding. it was on the offensive tackle for holding the DE. So still waiting for the call that went against rocklin. And there were 2 refs right there. The one that the qb was hit into did not throw a flag. Just the one who stopped the clock for no reason on the sack the play before. One ref was the problem all game. They should consider switching line judges at halftime going forward. Rocklin staff and players seemed to have his ear.
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