LIVERMORE — The win couldn’t be any sweeter for Granada.
After starting the year 2-4 and under the guidance of a first-year head coach, the Matadors won their first league title since 2018 on Friday night.
The cherry on top: They did it against their biggest rivals.
In comeback fashion, Granada defeated Livermore 28-27 to win the East Bay Athletic League Valley Division crown and capture the Livermore city title for the 16th time since 2004.
“This win means everything,” said Granada receiver Damien Miles. “We’re going to the (section) playoffs. We’re city champs. There’s nothing more you can say.”
Running back Estevan Duarte was spectacular in the win, totaling 95 yards rushing and two touchdowns while also catching four passes for 56 yards. Quarterback Jack Badger 13 of 21 passes for 167 yards and rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown.
Granada quarterback Jack Badger (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Livermore during the second quarter of their game at Granada High School in Livermore, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
“I’m just so darn proud of these kids,” said Granada coach Brandon Black. “You know, there were some highs and lows in that game, and they just stayed the course and stayed in it. At halftime, they still had a positive attitude, even though we were down. They just continued to fight and I’m so dang happy for them.”
The emotions of the game showed early on.
Livermore was looking to win its first league title since 1993 and was eager to do it on its rivals home field.
Four personal foul penalties were called between the two teams in the first half, and even prompted a referee to tell coaches that their teams needed to “stick to football.”
Despite the early penalties, Livermore’s offense dominated the first 15 minutes of the game.
The Cowboys put the first points on the board when running back Kamarri Robinson scored on a four-yard rush in the first quarter. After AJ Carey picked off a Granada pass to set up Livermore in the red zone, Robinson scored his second touchdown of the half on a 2-yard plunge, giving the Cowboys 13-0 lead early.
Robinson ended Friday’s game with 101 yards on 20 carries.
But Granada found its groove later in the second quarter.
Badger capped off a seven-play, four-minute drive with a 9-yard sweep into the end zone. Livermore responded with a score on its next drive, but Granada drove the ball 80 yards in two minutes, ending with a one-yard direct snap score from running back Cody Phillips.
Granada’s Cody Phillips (40) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Livermore during the second quarter of their game at Granada High School in Livermore, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)
At halftime, Livermore led 20-14.
The Cowboys looked like they were going to run away with the game early in the third quarter.
Quarterback Matteo Lortie successfully fooled the Granada defense on a run-pass option play and found wide receiver Ct Harper for a 10-yard …read more
Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment
