 | | | Senior Quarterback Ross Anderson (9) runs for one of his two touchdowns. Photo Jordan Fong
| | | | | | On a rainy Saturday night in Orinda, Miramonte football (9-1) began their run through the playoffs. The fifth-seeded Mats hosted twelfth-seeded Tennyson High School and proved they were ready for round two in a dramatic 42-7 victory.
Miramonte started their playoff opener strong, scoring on their first possession of the game just three and a half minutes in. Senior running back Luke Carrillo took the pitch from senior quarterback Ross Anderson 14 yards for the score.
Anderson went 11-17 for 219 yards on the night.
Late in the first quarter, Mats senior receiver Miles Honens caught a critical 26 yard reception to give Miramonte a 14-0 lead.
On the ensuing kickoff, Tennyson fumbled and Miramonte junior running back Matt Solit recovered the ball. The Matadors quickly punched it in again with a 28-yard touchdown by senior running back Kevin Booze.
In the second and third quarters, the Mats did not let up. Anderson scrambled for a 21-yard touchdown run, giving Miramonte a 28-0 lead. The Mats took an impressive 35-0 lead at halftime.
Another touchdown in the third put the Mats up 42-0.
Tennyson did not give up, rallying late in the fourth to score a touchdown. After converting on fourth down just outside the red zone, Tennyson scored on a 17-yard pass to put them on the board. The score was now 42-7, but it was too late.
"I felt that we played very well. We put in work all week, and it showed in the game. Our season has been great so far, and we will continue to play hard and show that Mira football won't be an easy opponent," said Booze.
With the 42-7 win Miramonte moves on to face fourth-seeded Encinal in the second round.
Encinal is no stranger to Miramonte. Two years ago, the twelfth seeded Mats had their season ended in the NCS playoffs by the top seeded Encinal Jets. That year the Mats were 6-6. Now with a better record, Miramonte is hoping to avenge that loss.
The Matadors' game with Encinal will be this Friday, November 27 at 7:00 p.m. at Encinal High School.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA