Williams 21 – Willows 14
WILLIAMS, CA (MPG) – It wasn’t exactly a normal home opener at McCarl Field last Friday night as the game was interrupted by a lighting malfunction, but the good news was that after the problem was rectified the Yellowjackets were able to hold off visiting Willows to claim their first victory of the young season.
Williams started off strong with a touchdown pass from quarterback Matthew Cervantes to Azael Velazquez, then after a Willows score, saw Rigoberto Ramirez, Jr. return the ensuing kickoff 70 yards for the ‘Jackets’ second touchdown of the night.
In the end though, it was Cervantes, in his first varsity game, finding the end zone for what was the game winner.
On the night, the junior quarterback completed five passes for 126 yards and a touchdown, then additionally rushed seven times for 50 yards and another score.
Cervantes’ favorite target against the Honkers was Velazquez, who hauled in four passes for 105 yards.
Yet to earn the win, the defense had to do its part and it did, led by Julio Rosales, who made a team-high nine tackles.
Ramirez, along with Julian Garcia finished with seven tackles apiece.
Overall, it was a good outing for the young Yellowjacket squad although Coach Forrest Bateman said there was still more work to do.
“It was a great game,” said the second year head coach who happens to be Willows alum. “Matthew and Azael played incredibly well and the defense shutout Willows in the second half. We still have a ways to go, but it was a good first step.”
Williams hopes to carry its momentum forward tonight in Mt. Shasta City when it takes on a Bear team that also won its first game.
Maxwell 47 – Vacaville Christian 2
VACAVILLE, CA (MPG) – Hitting the road for their season opener, the Panthers overwhelmed a young Falcon squad that has more freshmen than seniors on its roster.
On a night where Maxwell erupted offensively, Coach Lane Davis said he was most proud of his team’s longest drive of the game, which was good for 82 yards and a touchdown, but was even more impressed with Maxwell’s defensive effort as he explained.
“Credit to Coach Lovelace for putting together a good defensive scheme,” Davis said. “We were flying to the ball and gang tackling, which is good to see.”
Other highlights included Tanner Vierra’s 44-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 25-yard pick six by Eddie Izquierdo, along with a 38-yard pass from quarterback Noel Velazquez to Walter Avery who weaved in and out of traffic for the score just seconds before the half.
Overall the Panthers put up some big numbers led by running back Erik New, who carried 10 times for 152 yards and two touchdowns along with Velazquez, who completed five passes for 88 yards in addition to rushing for 43 yards and another score.
In his first game back on the field after not playing football last year, Avery ran for 61 yards to go along with his touchdown catch.
Also getting into the action was Jose Cisneros, who took it to the house from 13 yards away.
Defensively, Yahir Alcaraz, who had 10 total tackles and a sack, along with New, who made nine total tackles and recorded a sack as well, led Maxwell.
Despite their success, the Panthers know that they had some things to work on as they prepared to take on Weed this evening at home.