Pee Wee
Menlo-Atherton Vikings 34, Hollister Vikings 8
By Samantha Zaragoza
The stage was set for the second round of playoffs on a blustery day in Menlo-Atherton, as the Hollister Vikings, 7-1-1, faced the Menlo-Atherton Vikings – the team Hollister tied during league play.
The game began on a bit of an off note for Hollister, as the defense gave up the first score. Marc Martinez had a great tackle in the middle, but Menlo gained a first down on two carries to bring the ball to the Hollister 16-yard line. Two gang tackles later, Menlo looked at long third-conversion.But a quick pass to the flat caught the Hollister defense off guard and the receiver crossed into the end zone. Menlo’s point after was no good, and the score was 6-0.
Hollister quickly countered when Dimarco DelCurto gave Hollister good field position at midfield when the caught an onside kick. Quarterback Brad Sparrer handed off to Andres Soto for a short run. On the next carry, Soto, aided by with blocks by Tristan Wahl, Michael Gutierrez and Ishmael Medina, ran up the sideline and inside the 20-yard line. Two plays later, quarterback Hunter Racquet connected with Diego Fisher for a touchdown. Soto’s point after kick was good and Hollister led the game 8-6.
On Menlo’s first hand off of the next series, the runner sprinted around the outside of the tackles and into the end zone. Menlo regained the lead 14-8.
The Hollister defense wouldn’t give up, but Menlo continued to score. Linebacker Michael Zaragoza had a few tackles at the line to contain the run, but two Menlo-Atherton scores blew away Hollister.
Menlo charged down the field with only two minutes left in the half, and scored on a pass in the end zone.
On Hollister’s next possession, the Vikings tried to keep the ball moving toward the end zone, but Menlo forced a fumble and ran the ball into the end zone. Going into the half, Menlo-Atherton led 28-8.
Menlo Atherton scored once more in the second half to make the final score 34-8.
“They did what we didn’t,” Viking head coach Gino Andrade said. “But, I want to say thank you to each of you. This was my first season coaching pee wees and I had a blast. Thank you to the fans and to all the parents. We had a great season, and I can’t wait for next year.”
