In the fourth quarter, former Ranger Alex Garza, ‘22 ran up the middle for a hide clinching 40-yard touchdown run.
By: Vincent Aldridge, Photography by Abigail Miller
On Friday, October 29, Mt. Whitney played against Redwood in the 66th annual Cowhide game at Mineral King Bowl in front of an estimated crowd of 7,000. Mt. Whitney would go on to win that game by the final score of 13-7.
This win is Whitney’s 27th in their head-to-head match-up with Redwood.
The biggest play of the night came in the fourth quarter with 1:20 remaining, when Alex Garza, ‘22 ran down the middle of Redwood’s defense for a 40-yard Mt. Whitney touchdown.
Later on, with 1:05 remaining, Redwood quarterback Francisco Alvarez, ‘23 fired a 40-yard pass to Moses Burk, ‘24 to put Redwood on the 6-yard line. The play was called back due to a false start by Redwood. The Rangers couldn’t repeat that same success, and Whitney would win the hide back.
Mt. Whitney head coach Nathan Chamberlain feels that their key to success was their effort and attitude. Chamberlain says, “They never quit, they competed. So the three things: attitude, effort and compete.” Chamberlain would later add on that he believes their defense was a big reason for their win.
For Whitney, this was more than just a game. Jordan Meyst, ‘22 says, “It was like a dream come true. I’ve played with these seniors since I was in 7th grade and we’ve always dreamed of winning our senior year Cowhide. That dream became a reality.”
Meyst added on that he respects the seniors at Redwood, but he made sure to fuel the rivalry further, using Redwood’s own words: “Try again in ‘22.”
Rivalry games have always felt different, and this one was no different. Chris Zavala, ‘22 says, “Be about what you say, don’t underestimate a team because of their record because rivalry games are a whole different atmosphere of a game.”
Zavala goes on to say, “The feeling of [Whitney] being up and watching the clock count down to all zeros was one hell of a thing to see knowing that [Whitney] had won the game.”
Chamberlain feels that this win was a long time coming. Chamberlain says, “Seniors, this was the second win for the sophomores that were on varsity.” Chamberlain adds, second win in three years, it’s pretty big.”
Redwood head coach Kevin Scharton feels that the reason they weren’t able to win is because they overlooked Mt. Whitney.
Scharton says, “As far as us, we overlooked Mt. Whitney on their capabilities of playing well.”
Scharton would add, “We were definitely humbled.”