1. This was the best game I've seen this year. A lot of high level play and also some mistakes I'm sure both teams would want back. The teams combined for seven turnovers including four in the red zone.
2. San Ramon Valley struck first going up 3-0 and were inside the 10 yard line looking for a 10-0 lead before an end zone interception by Ant Dean. Later De La Salle got out to a 27-12 fourth quarter lead but it allowed a touchdown and then couldn't corral an onside kick to help set up the game tying drive for the Wolves.
3. The biggest advantage for the Spartans was their line play on both sides of the ball. The offensive line got strong push most of the night in creating holes and sealing the edge. Defensively, De La Salle got a consistent pass rush led by a strong night from Chris Biller and Matthew Johnson. San Ramon Valley quarterback Luke Baker made them pay as a runner (see below for more on that), but he didn't have many comfortable drop backs.
4. While Baker was able to extend plays and make big completions down the field, it was his running attempts that caused fits for De La Salle. With the Wolves spreading the field, Baker had a lot of open room in the middle of the field. He showed off some good speed to gain the edge against linebackers and make defenders miss in the secondary. Baker took a lot of big hits in the loss in adding another chapter to what has been a fantastic senior season.
5. Is Marco Jones the top prospect regardless of class in NorCal? I'll have more on Jones next week in the player notebook, but the junior turned in a fantastic performance. He is a game changing defender who made numerous plays coming off the edge. He also provided a physical presence at receiver including a number of key catches.
6. Jonathan Guerrero is a big play weapon and it is needed for the Spartans. He had a 70 yard touchdown catch and nearly broke a kickoff return earlier in the game. He can get lost in the shuffle of players to watch, but that skill set is vital for De La Salle going forward.
2. San Ramon Valley struck first going up 3-0 and were inside the 10 yard line looking for a 10-0 lead before an end zone interception by Ant Dean. Later De La Salle got out to a 27-12 fourth quarter lead but it allowed a touchdown and then couldn't corral an onside kick to help set up the game tying drive for the Wolves.
3. The biggest advantage for the Spartans was their line play on both sides of the ball. The offensive line got strong push most of the night in creating holes and sealing the edge. Defensively, De La Salle got a consistent pass rush led by a strong night from Chris Biller and Matthew Johnson. San Ramon Valley quarterback Luke Baker made them pay as a runner (see below for more on that), but he didn't have many comfortable drop backs.
4. While Baker was able to extend plays and make big completions down the field, it was his running attempts that caused fits for De La Salle. With the Wolves spreading the field, Baker had a lot of open room in the middle of the field. He showed off some good speed to gain the edge against linebackers and make defenders miss in the secondary. Baker took a lot of big hits in the loss in adding another chapter to what has been a fantastic senior season.
5. Is Marco Jones the top prospect regardless of class in NorCal? I'll have more on Jones next week in the player notebook, but the junior turned in a fantastic performance. He is a game changing defender who made numerous plays coming off the edge. He also provided a physical presence at receiver including a number of key catches.
6. Jonathan Guerrero is a big play weapon and it is needed for the Spartans. He had a 70 yard touchdown catch and nearly broke a kickoff return earlier in the game. He can get lost in the shuffle of players to watch, but that skill set is vital for De La Salle going forward.
