Junior Midgets
Hollister Viking 36, Gilroy Browns 12
By Samantha Zaragoza
After the Vikings focused on their blocking and defense this past week, it showed against the Gilroy Browns on Saturday.
Within two minutes, the Vikings struck first as quarterback Diego Fisher aired out a long pasts to the waiting arms of Antonio Caro, who scored.
Viking linebackers Michael Camacho, Cade Neece and Michael Zaragoza stuffed the Browns runners and forced a fumble – which was recovered by Jake Diedrick – to give the Vikings another possession.
The Vikings scored again as Fisher tested his arm once again with a laser to Tristan Wahl, who scored thanks to the blocking by Adam Mendoza.
On the Vikings’ next possession, Ishmael Medina took the handoff at the Hollister 35 and ran 50 yards to the 15. On the next play, blocks by Marc Martinez, Wahl and Caro ushered Fisher into the end zone for a rushing touchdown.
The end of the half was marked by tackles by Nathaniel Newman, Zaragoza, Camacho and Caro as the Vikings went into the locker room ahead 18-0.
The second half of the contest was much of the same for Hollister. Kyle Manley and the rest of the defense tackled everything that ran at them, forcing a turnover. One play, Soto ripped the ball from a Gilroy runner’s arm and ran to the end zone to exted the Vikings’ lead.
Seconds later, Gilroy responded with a touchdown run of their own. But the Vikings didn’t let up for a minute. On the next Viking possession, Medina took a handoff 56 yards to the end zone for another score. Joseph Lyter and Soto made key blocks to help Medina reach the end zone.
After a defensive stop, the Vikins scored agian, thanks to the blocking of Matthew Zarate and Sean Nelson, which gave Fisher enough time to throw to Mendoza for a touchdown.
Although Gilroy would score again in the fourth quarter, the Vikings resoundingly defeated their rivals 36-12.
“I’m proud of these boys,” head coach Jeff Valenzuela said. “Coming off that loss a few weeks ago, they’ve bounced back and have all been working really hard. (Kane) DeAlba, (Owen) Branon and the line blocked well today.”
Tiny Mites West
Hollister Vikings vs. Gilroy Browns
No Score
By Janna Esparza
Hollister Vikings Tiny Mites West opened their third game of the season at home on Saturday against the rival Gilroy Browns.
Tiny Mites West came to play in what was and exciting, intense game on both sides of the ball for the Vikings.
As expected the Browns were tough and opened up scoring on their first series of the game. But that was enough fire for the Vikings to push the pace.
On the defensive side of the ball, Zander Svenningsen, Juan Cortez, Jr, Iseah Cabrera and company held strong to contain the Brown offense. Svenningsen recoverd a fumble to help ignite Hollister.
On the offensive side of the ball, Matthew Villarreal had a day as well. Tony Salcedo also contributed with runs of 15 and 62 yards. Both players helped put the Vikings into scoring position.
“I was very proud of our team this week,” head coach Rick Villarreal said. “They took everything we went over all week at practice and gave 120 percent.”
