Taylor, stout defense lead unbeaten Central Catholic past San Ramon Valley

Behind Aiden Taylor’s 148 yards rushing and a defense that held tough late, Central Catholic beat San Ramon Valley 21-14 on Thursday night at David Patton Field.

The victory improves the Raiders to 3-0 heading into their final nonleague game on Friday, Sept. 17, against Bellarmine College Preparatory.

On Thursday, ahead 21-14 with a few minutes left, Central Catholic fumbled on the San Ramon Valley 1-yard line. The Wolves (1-1) drove to the Central Catholic 25-yard-line, but could not convert a fourth down with about 25 seconds left.

The game was added to the schedule recently after both teams had earlier contests canceled because of smoke caused by recent wildfires late last month.

Taylor and Tyler Jacklich each had rushing touchdowns, including Jacklich’s in the third quarter to give Central Catholic a 14-7 lead in the third quarter against the team from Danville that’s ranked No. 4 in the San Jose Mercury News’ Bay Area poll.

Central Catholic quarterback Tyler Wentworth hit Sebastian Guzman on a 36-yard scoring play for the Raiders’ other touchdown.

Jacklich finished with three carries for 61 yards and completed a 38-yard pass.

It was the second straight 130+-yard performance by Taylor, who has 348 yards rushing and eight touchdowns this season.

This story was originally published September 10, 2021 at 4:56 AM.