UPDATE: The Golden Valley Grizzlies football team has kept their playoff dreams alive with a decisive 43-28 victory over the West Ranch Wildcats on Friday night at College of the Canyons. Junior sensation Aaron McCormick dominated the field, racking up 235 rushing yards and scoring four touchdowns, propelling the Grizzlies closer to a playoff berth for the second consecutive season.
“This win was crucial,” McCormick stated. “We approached this game with a mindset of ‘win or go home,’ which motivated us to give our all.”
With this victory, the Grizzlies (4-5, 3-2) are set for a thrilling showdown next week against the Saugus Centurions. The winner secures the final automatic playoff spot in the Foothill League. The stakes are high; a loss would eliminate the Grizzlies from playoff contention due to their under-.500 record, while Saugus is already above .500 and could qualify as an at-large team.
Head coach Dan Kelley emphasized the importance of the upcoming match, saying, “Next week is a playoff game for us. If we don’t win, we don’t deserve to be in the playoffs.”
In addition to McCormick’s standout performance, senior quarterback Jayce Johnson contributed significantly with 116 passing yards and 39 rushing yards, completing 10 of 14 passes, including one touchdown pass. Kelley praised Johnson’s ability to manage the game effectively, stating, “He made smart decisions, which was impressive.”
The Grizzlies took a commanding 22-7 halftime lead, responding to an early touchdown from West Ranch. After the Wildcats scored first with a 42-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Blake Johnson to junior Charlie Samuelson, Golden Valley quickly rebounded. McCormick answered with an 8-yard run for his first touchdown, followed by a 9-yard run and a 12-yard touchdown pass to senior Anthony Baldoze.
The second half saw both teams score 21 points, but Golden Valley maintained control. West Ranch head coach TJ Yonkers noted the importance of building momentum for his young team. “We are focused on the process, not just the results,” he said, reflecting on the challenges faced during the game.
West Ranch’s junior Mesziah Ramos shone with a 41-yard touchdown run, ending the night with 90 yards on 13 carries. Blake Johnson also had key moments, including a 44-yard completion to senior Aidan Lynch and a 5-yard touchdown pass to sophomore Dylan Williams.
Despite the loss, the Wildcats (2-7, 1-4) are looking to finish strong in their final regular-season game next week against Canyon. Meanwhile, Golden Valley’s McCormick remains focused on the goal ahead: “Win, win, win,” he declared, as the Grizzlies gear up for their pivotal clash with Saugus.
With playoff implications on the line, every moment counts for the Grizzlies as they strive to secure their postseason future. Stay tuned for updates as this thrilling season concludes next week.
