Livingston rolls past Waterford, is one win away from section final
The Livingston High football team played its first home playoff game in 31 years Friday night.
It was a long wait and the Wolves did not disappoint.
Quarterback Rocklin Baptista passed for three touchdowns and ran for another as the Wolves rolled to a convincing 56-20 victory over visiting Waterford. The win advanced Livingston to the semifinal round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division VI playoffs.
Livingston (7-4), seeded third, will play next week against No. 2 Argonaut (8-3) in Jackson. The Mustangs advanced with a 34-10 win over Liberty Ranch on Friday.
“We’ve felt confident all year, and we’ve played in some tough games, especially in the (Trans-Valley League),” Livingston coach Alex Gonzalez said. “And I think it prepared us at this point.
“The guys are excited for the town ... the town deserves all this and more. And (the players) know we have a job to do and we’re looking forward to the next few games.”
Livingston hosted a playoff game for the first time since 1990, when the Wolves went on to win the Division III section title. A packed house cheered on the Wolves, who were up to the challenge.
With Baptista, the Wolves’ senior quarterback, leading the way, Livingston jumped out to a 35-13 halftime lead and never looked back.
Asked how it felt to win a playoff game, Baptista said, “Good, but it’s not satisfying because if we lose (the next game) ... this means nothing. We want to bring back a blue banner to this town.
“It feels great, for 24 hours we can celebrate ... (then) we have to focus on Argonaut.”
There were fireworks just prior to kickoff and it didn’t take long for Livingston’s offensive explosiveness to be put on display.
On the first play from scrimmage, Livingston running back Carlos Baez took a pitch and rumbled 57 yards for the opening score.
“It felt amazing, I didn’t expect to score that fast,” Baez said.
Baez later added another 57-yard TD scamper to close out the first-half scoring. The senior finished with 147 yards on nine carries.
Tough way for Waterford’s season to end
Sixth-seeded Waterford (10-2), the Southern League champion, did not go down without a fight.
The Wildcats pulled 35-20 and had possession of the ball in the third quarter. But Waterford turned the ball over on downs three times after that and Livingston iced the game with two Baptista TD passes.
Waterford quarterback Aaron Adams impressed in the losing effort. The Wildcats’ senior signal-caller was 16 of 30 for 243 yards and three touchdowns — all three going to receiver Javier Nusom. Adams also rushed for 105 yards.
Although the season came to an abrupt end, Waterford coach Adam Hilton reflected on a remarkable season that saw the Wildcats go 10-2 and earn a league crown.
“It was a great year, I’m proud of the boys,” Hilton said. “It’s tough to reflect on it now because I wasn’t expecting it to be over. I’m proud of the guys ... they played hard to the end. So I’ll always remember them.”
Livingston prepares for Argonaut
With an experienced quarterback, talented running backs and a strong offensive line, the Wolves’ offense will be a challenge for second-seeded Argonaut.
The Mustangs finished second in the Mother Lode League, but lost to Hughson of the TVL 37-14 back on Sept. 9.
Livingston defeated Hughson 27-0 on Sept. 24.
The key for the Wolves could be their defense, who gave up some big plays against Waterford.
One nice advantage for Livingston could be its kicking game. Cain Ambriz, who scored on a 50-yard TD run in the first quarter, also nailed 8 point-after kicks Friday night.
If Livingston can get past Argonaut, the Wolves will play for a section title against the winner of the other semifinal between top-seeded Bradshaw Christian and No. 5 Rosemont.
This story was originally published November 12, 2021 at 11:47 PM.
