Defense was the foundation of Hilmar High's success this season, giving up 10 points a game to lead the Yellowjackets into a Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 final.
Hilmar had allowed an average of seven points in its three playoff wins, and earned a reputation for its aggressive play. It was the offense, however, that provided the key plays in the section championship.
"Our offensive line was hitting hard, delivering the first blow," said Zack Giuliano, a fullback who ran for 65 yards. "We were getting in the hole quickly and following them."
Quarterback Andrew Olson and his line led four scoring drives, and backup Jonathan O'Brien led the fourth, as the Yellowjackets upset Escalon 20-17 Friday for the championship.
It was quite a change from the last meeting: Hilmar was unable to get inside the 20-yard line in its 10-0 loss to Escalon five weeks ago. That decided the Trans-Valley League title.
The rematch was for a section crown, a shot at a state bowl and an opportunity to deal its undefeated rival a stunning defeat. It all rode on the offensive line.
With tackle Austin Almeida and guard Austin Jones on the right side, and tackle Corey Bayer and guard Asif Lundstrom on the other, Hilmar was able to move the pile.
And there often were piles of bodies in front of center Anthony, as Escalon's defensive front played close to the line in anticipation of run plays.
Hilmar's line lost these battles in Week 10, gaining just 60 yards on 20 carries — stunning numbers for a team averaging 37 runs and 236 yards.
Friday's figures were below average, but the defense they came up against was among the best in the section this year.
Hilmar's line got the better of its counterparts. That hadn't happened to Escalon since it lost 22-15 to Patterson early in the 2010 season.
The Cougars had won 25 straight games since.
"The line knew we were going to be running the ball, so they knew we were counting on them," Giuliano said. "At the end of the game, when Escalon knew we'd be passing, they made sure we had time."
Hilmar ran the ball much of the night, but four straight completions for 45 yards set up Kurtis Bettencourt's 41-yard field goal with 20 seconds left.
"If they're not giving John time back there, we don't get the ball close enough for the field goal," Giuliani said.
A popular question among the 4,500 fans afterward was "What about next year?" Escalon seems to reload annually, while Hilmar's JV team was 6-0 in the TVL, 8-1 overall.
Both will suffer heavy graduation hits. Hilmar will lose Olson, Giuliani, Ryan White, Garrett Jericoff and four offensive linemen, among others. Escalon says farewell to Shane Silveira, Josh Miguel, Tony Vincent, Gino Franceschetti and others ... but the junior class has talent and a winning JV team is coming.
Escalon coach Mark Loureiro is expecting more of the same in 2012, knowing Hilmar will be the TVL favorite in August.
As Hilmar showed Friday, however, titles aren't won in August. Not in November, either.
You have to win in December to be the champion.
RSS
E-Mail
Print
reprint or license
