The Golden Nugget returns to Mariposa

It’s official. After two years, the gold nugget trophy has returned to Mariposa County High School.

At the beginning of each football season, the Grizzlies battle it out with the Yosemite Badgers to see who will walk away with the gold nugget.

The JV team got things started with a big win over the Badgers. The final score was 38-8.

It was clear from the start that the rivalry between MCHS and Yosemite is alive and well when the varsity squads took the field in Oakhurst.

After Yosemite snatched the win from the Grizzlies last year in the final two minutes of the game, the tables turned this time around and MCHS came out on top 39-20.

“Friday was a big deal for this program and for this community,” said coach Chase Pometta.

“It was great to see the turnout at the game and the excitement after the game.”

Rusty Bull had 19 carries for 162 and three touchdowns.

“He just wore down the defense and put the game away in the second half,” Pometta said.

“He had a tremendous offseason in the weight room and the results showed.”

Laten Butler was all over on the defensive side of the ball and was in on 14 tackles.

“On the offensive side they bracketed him on every play and he still found a way to get into the end zone for a touchdown,” continued Pometta.

“I can’t say enough about his energy on the field, it’s inspiring to all of his teammates.”

The offensive line worked well together and dominated the line of scrimmage.

“We had 41 carries for 352 yards and that all starts up front,” Pometta said.

“Coach Ward, coach Leonard and coach Wichmann have done a great job with that unit.”

Drew Canter, Mason Bissmeyer, Brady Arebalo, Ed Williamson and Kayden Ogden are a tight knit group.

“They’re spending a lot of time together and taking pride in getting the job done.”

Austin Battles played his first varsity game as a sophomore and he looked like he’s been doing this for a while.

“He made great reads throughout the night and showed that he’s a threat with the ball,” Pometta said.

“He threw a 16 yard touchdown to Butler, and ran the ball 11 times for 110 yards and another score. Having a quarterback who is that dynamic elevates the whole offense.”

Connor Filgas punched in the final touchdown and led the way on defense.

“He’s a leader out there on the field and really at school and in the locker room as well,” Pometta said.

“Every team needs that one constant voice, and he provides that for us.”

The Grizzlies earned that trophy and they’re excited to see it in the locker room every day.

Next up, MCHS will travel to Big Valley Christian on Thursday, Aug. 28, to take the field against the Lions.

JV starts at 5 p.m. followed by varsity at 7 p.m.

“We know we are going to have an excited group of players,” Pometta said.