On September 14, 2018, Redwood (1-3) hosted their 2018 Homecoming football game vs. Atascadero High School (0-4) where they came out victorious winning 48-14. Not only was varsity able to pull off this big win but Redwood JV and Frosh also killed the Greyhounds.
Prior to this win, the Rangers seemed to be in a rut after losing three in a row to Dinuba, Tulare Union, and Tulare Western. Although they were all outer-league matchups, it still left a sour taste in the boys’ mouths. They were just hungry to come out and show what they have been practicing and working hard for these past two months in the 100+ degree weather and weight rooms.
Gabe Vasquez, ’19 has had some pretty good runs and has shown good strength on the team and said he plans to keep this up by playing hard and doing his job on the field. His mindset going into the game was, “Come out with a win and play hard,” which truly showed in each of the boys who even as they were up later in the game, continued to keep the energy going until it was over.
Another senior who has been doing really well recently is one half of the powerful force of the brothers, La Dre Aguilar, ’19, who although felt like he didn’t have a great game, was still proud that the team was able to pull off an overall win. He said he really enjoys playing with his little brother Malachi Aguilar, ’20, because “I’ve always wanted to play with him and I’ve got his back through anything and I know he’s [got] mine too.” They have a special bond on the field and off the field too which really improves and strengthens both their games as they work together and challenge each other constantly.
Aguilar along with the rest of the senior boys on the team played in their last Redwood Homecoming game ever. He said, ‘It was really fun and also sad just knowing it was my last one but I’m just happy we got the W and I’m focused on the next week now.” After finally being able to break the small losing streak they had going he said it felt great and hopes that the whole team is going to be able to keep the same intensity for all 4 quarters in the other games too. The team worked together well to pull off the success but Aguilar said, “On offense, our line was blocking great, doing their jobs, and setting up big plays. Our whole defense was great and played with passion and swag.”
Summary of the Game
The game starts off slow as Atascadero starts at own 30 then Redwood went 3 and out. They return the ball to their own 35 but there’s a penalty on the play. Redwood begins at own 15 then goes 3 and out to then punt again. The Greyhounds start at own 42 but Redwood defense is able to stop them forcing them to a 3 and out. Atascadero punts.
L. Aguilar returns the ball 2 yards to the 50 yard line. Redwood’s drive starts at midfield and Aguilar takes it in for a 50 yard touchdown on the very first play. The extra point is good making it now 7-0 towards the beginning of the first quarter still.
This is followed up by a 3 and out from Atascadero who then punts to M. Aguilar who is able to return it to the 44 yard line. James Richardson, ’19, fumbles the ball where Atascadero was able to recover it. They start on their own 41 but nothing happens on offense forcing them to punt.
Redwood starts at own 46 after a facemask penalty against Atascadero ending the quarter.
Caden Shafer maintains effective and is able to move the ball down the field. Hunter Bryan, ’19, receives an 18 yard pass from Julian Sanchez, ’20, in the end zone. PAT is good making it now 14-0.
Atascadero starts in Redwood territory after 15 yard penalty. Atascadero goes backwards then throws interception to Redwood’s Vasquez. The Rangers start at the 44 and Sanchez is able to connect with Bryan again and 4 plays later, Shafer is able to run in for a touchdown. The PAT was good and the Redwood lead increases to 21-0
Atascadero starts at own 20. Redwood misses opportunity for fumble recovery and the Greyhounds drive all the way into the red zone. M. Aguilar intercepts a pass into the end zone and runs it for 78 yards. A crazy plays happens next with a double pass from Vasquez to L. Aguilar who fumbles it right before the end zone but Bryan was able to recover it for a touchdown. The PAT was good and the score going into halftime was 28-0.
Redwood starts opening drive of the second half at the 41. Sanchez starts drive with 35 yard run on a keeper play then follows that up with another big gain of yards. Richardson gets down to the goal line and Sanchez was able to finish with TD run. PAT good and the score became 35-0.
Ensuing kickoff returned all the way for a TD but a block in the back call brings it back. Atascadero starts at own 43 but fumbles and Redwood is able to recover the ball.
Redwood starts at 42 and keeps the ball on the ground. They finish the drive with a touchdown by Shafer but the extra point was no good making it 41-0 Finishes drive with TD run by #37. PAT no good. 41-0. Atascadero answers to this by starting on their own 31. They showed an effective running drive with long runs and the Greyhounds’ Stephen Reyes finishes for a touchdown plus the extra point is good. The score was then 41-7.
Redwood starts drive at own 35 and Shafer runs for 48 yard TD and the PAT was good. 48-7 makes the game go to running clock. Atascadero starts on own 35 then goes 3 and out to punt. Redwood’s drive stalls then Atascadero scores on a 56 yard run to end the game with a Redwood win of 48-14.
The boys played great and represented their school on Homecoming night. They hope to keep this up and continue the season with the same energy as they play Porterville High School on Thursday (not the usual Friday) night at Granite Hills at 7pm.
Krissy Hetherington
Krissy ('21) is a senior and this is her third year as Editor in Chief. She has been in Journalism since beginning of freshman year and has a strong passion for sports journalism. Outside of the Gigantea, Krissy is a part of the Cross Country, Basketball and Track teams. She is also in her third year as an intern writer for the Sun-Gazette. You can reach her by email at krist.he0076@vusd.us
Tags: football, friday night lights, high school, homecoming, rangers, Redwood, season, senior year, sports, varsity
