Peyton Keelin-Coca is pictured scoring a touchdown for the JV team earlier this season. Photos by Amanda White
The Knights from Stone Ridge Christian High School handed the varsity Grizzlies football team their first loss of the season on Oct. 17 in Merced.
While the JV team won their game over Hilmar 41-7, the varsity team had some small mistakes that cost them during their 14-11 to Stone Ridge.
“It was a great game and both teams played hard,” said coach Chase Pometta.
“We just made too many small mistakes that added up.”
The Grizzlies ran the ball well against the Knights but were unable to capitalize on some key drives.
“Defensively we executed the game plan at a high level,” Pometta said.
Lyell Marcis shadowed their top receiver all night and only gave up one catch.
“That was a really impressive performance by Lyell,” continued Pometta.
“He has done big things all year, but this week he played at a whole new level.”
The Grizzlies’ secondary continues to make big plays in the passing game and came up with three interceptions.
Connor Filgas (32) is shown in action against Denair earlier this year.
“Rusty Bull, Laten Butler and Marcis each had a pick.”
MCHS stuck with it and remained in the game the whole way.
“Games like this require a lot of patience,” Pometta said.
“You have to be willing to take it one play at a time and trust your reads.”
Bull rushed for 164 yards and Connor Filgas had a sack along with 16 tackles.
The Grizzlies will take this experience and learn from it.
“The best part is the boys will learn from this game. You can’t replicate this in practice,” Pometta explained.
“You can prepare and adapt in game but with this type of environment and this result, our guys will apply these lessons moving forward.”
Game situations MCHS experienced with Stone Ridge will help the Grizzlies with development.
“A game like this is huge for development and huge going into the final stretch of the season,” Pometta said.
“At the end of the day, we were one stop away from having a shot at winning the ball game at the end. I’m very proud of our team.”
The group will continue to grind and move forward.
“The boys had their heads up after the game, we have a resilient group,” said Pometta.
“Right away the focus shifted to Waterford and how to improve. Our guys are focused and ready. This won’t slow them down, it’ll only reignite the fire.”
The Grizzlies (3-1 in league) will travel to Waterford (2-2 in league) to take on the Wildcats on Oct. 24.
JV will play at 5 p.m. followed by varsity at 7.
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