SEASON FINALE SHOWDOWN

They may have lost to Stone Ridge Christian but the Grizzlies bounced back last week against the Wildcats.

Mariposa County High School’s JV and varsity football teams traveled to Waterford on Oct. 24 where JV faced their first league game loss of the season with a final score of 24-19.

Varsity put another league win in the books as they defeated the Wildcats 19-14.

“The team responded really well coming off the loss,” said coach Chase Pometta.

“Waterford is a big, physical team and we were able to wear them down and finish strong.”

The Grizzlies’ secondary has allowed them to do many things defensively.

Laten Butler, Beau Pokora, Lyell Marcis, and Brandon Marquez shut down the passing game in the secondary.

“Butler made one of the best defensive plays I’ve seen in a high school game,” Pometta said.

“He was playing deep middle and read a reverse pass. He traveled over 30 yards and intercepted the pass near our sideline. His reaction and ability to get to that ball was unbelievable. Those types of plays really fire up the team.”

Marcis continues to do big things in the pass game and also coming up and stopping the run.

Pokora made a play in the endzone to stop a drive.

“He has a knack for finding the ball and putting himself in good position to make a play,” the coach continued.

“He split two routes and closed on the inside route to intercept the pass in the endzone. That was a high level play.”

The Grizzlies offense continues to pave the way.

“Austin Battles played a great game, making great reads and very efficient in the passing game,” Pometta said.

Rusty Bull continues to play at a high level at running back.

“He’s getting stronger as the game goes on, and it paid off on the game closing drive,” the coach said.

Mason Sinclair had over 100 scrimmage yards and came up with a pair of huge third down catches.

Alexander Janitz had a game to remember.

“Battles saw the corner on Janitz’s side playing inside leverage and audibled to a fade route on third down,” explained Pometta.

“Battles threw a great ball and Janitz ran a perfect route. He used the leverage on his release and then broke to the outside and made a great catch in the endzone. That got the team fired up.”

Later in the game on a second and long play the Grizzlies dialed up a play for Janitz again.

“This time he went up over the corner and made the catch,” Pometta continued.

“At that point, Waterford moved a free safety deep, which allowed us to finish the game on the ground. That last drive was fun to watch, the boys executed at a high level.”

With one game remaining in the regular season, MCHS is approaching this game as they have gone into every game this season — “fixing mistakes and improving each week,” Pometta said.

“Our coaches have a great game plan dialed up, we will implement it throughout the week and get ready for the regular season finale.”

The Grizzlies are currently 4-1 in league play as they prepare to wrap up the regular season on Friday, Oct. 31 against the Le Grand Bulldogs (3-2).

JV will play at 5 p.m. followed by varsity at 7:15.

Not only is it Halloween, but MCHS will be celebrating seniors from the football, cheer and band programs on Senior Night.