Redwood beats Hanford in clash of top-tier valley team

By: Tyler Stark

Redwood beats Hanford in clash of top-tier valley teams. 

On Friday Redwood secured a massive 26-20 win against the previously undefeated Hanford Bullpups. The game would start off fast, Hanford would score a 25-yard touchdown pass on their first drive of the night.  Hanford would then go for the two-point conversion but get stopped by Redwood.

Redwood would respond with a drive that saw big contributions from wide receiver Reece Bueno ‘23. Bueno would haul in a pass from quarterback Frankie Alvarez ‘23 that would set the Rangers up with great field position. Bueno would then take a handoff and run it in from 9 yards out to put Redwood on the board.  A made PAT would make the score 7-6 in favor of Redwood.

The Rangers would get the ball back after forcing a punt from Hanford and score a 13 yard field goal from kicker Will Kennedy ‘23.

The final points of the second half would come from a Hanford touchdown pass to take the lead with under a minute left.

The Bullpups would run the ball in for the two point conversion to make the score 14-10 going into the half.

The first half was very competitive, both teams fought hard and made good plays. 

Redwood would get the ball to start the second half but not be able to score. Hanford would go on to score a 14 yard rushing touchdown and increase the lead to just 10 points after a failed two-point conversion.

The Rangers desperately needing a touchdown would get one via a 12-yard rushing touchdown from fullback Jacob Flores ‘24.

The only points in the fourth quarter would come with one minute left when the Rangers would make a 14-yard field goal to tie the game at 20 a piece. 

The game would go into overtime and per the overtime rules, each team would get a chance with the ball in the red zone at the twenty-yard line.

The Rangers were able to get the ball back on a third-down interception from Ambrose Bueno ‘23.

The Rangers would put the winning drive together by running the ball and eventually would score the winning run via a 1 yard run by Ty Potts.

The Rangers secured their biggest win of the season, Fullback Ty Potts said Friday night’s matchup felt great to win.

“Man, that was an amazing game to win. It was a great feeling to be able to score that last touchdown.”

The importance of Friday night’s win against Hanford can’t be overstated. It was a massive, massive, win for the program and it could be a win that lifts the Rangers to new heights going forward.

Wide receiver Reece Bueno says he was happy to make good plays for his team, but getting the win was the best part. “It felt great to make big plays for my team, but getting the win felt even better.”

Tags: football, redwood gigantea, redwood sports, visalia ca