Despite a tough 35-6 loss to league-leading Agoura for San Marcos on Friday at Warkentin Stadium, the Royals still have a chance to clinch a playoff spot with a win next week against one of their biggest rivals.
With the loss to the Agoura Chargers, San Marcos fell to 3-6 overall and 2-2 in the Tri-Valley League, as they were incapable of stopping Agoura’s star quarterback Gavin Gray.
The senior threw for 191 yards and four touchdowns to go along with a pair of rushes for 44 yards. Gray threw all four of his touchdowns in the first half, as the Chargers led 28-0 at the break.
After the game, San Marcos Head Coach Ralph Molina told Noozhawk that, defensively, the team started the first quarter well, but once Gray got going, it was hard to stop them.
“He’s a big-time quarterback and he’s got some amazing tools, and in that second quarter, the game just really got away from us,” Molina said.
Despite the loss, San Marcos still has life. Dos Pueblos also lost Friday night, putting their Tri-Valley League record at 2-2 as well. The winner of next week’s contest, which will be played at 7 p.m. on Thursday night at Warkentin Stadium, will get into the playoffs.
“That’s what it’s all about, and this is the way it should be. Two local teams battling in a winner-take-all scenario,” Molina said. “But we will be ready. This is a long-time rivalry between us two, and AJ will have his guys ready, so I am excited for what’s coming.”
The Royals were also dealing with some injuries coming into the week. Senior running back Cole Dominguez has been battling a shoulder injury.
Molina said the team decided to rest him in the second half once the game got away to help keep him fresh for next week against Dos Pueblos. Dominguez rushed the ball eight times for 14 yards.
Fellow senior captain Brody Green, who also plays running back alongside Dominguez, was also battling injuries coming into the week, with Molina saying he was unsure if he would even suit up Friday night.
Ultimately, Green did, and he tried his best to keep San Marcos in the game. The senior ran for 118 yards on 13 carries, adding another two receptions for 11 yards.
“We were thinking of shutting him down, too, but he wanted to play. He’s a tough kid, a really tough kid. He’s strong and the players love him; they play around him. He’s a leader by example,” Molina said.
It was a strong start to the game for the Royals, as after they forced a three-and-out, a botched punt by the Chargers set San Marcos up at Agoura’s 37-yard line. The drive ultimately ended in a missed 48-yard field goal.
On the next drive, Gray got going, completing two passes to go along with a 20-yard scamper before finding Andersen Mercer for a 37-yard touchdown.
Mercer ended the contest with four catches for 72 yards and he also had an interception in the contest.
On the next Charger drive, Gray found his senior tight end, Albert Bellingrath, for a six-yard touchdown.
In the second quarter, it was again all Gray, connecting with senior wideout Luke Bussiere for a 1-yard score and fellow senior Tyler Starling for a 17-yard score.
The Royals’ best drive of the night came in the fourth quarter with senior quarterback Cyrus Reid and junior running back Tommy Diaz taking over.
After a fumble was recovered for a touchdown by Agoura’s Brandon Olsen to make the score 35-0, the Royals responded with an 11-play, 75-yard drive to score their only touchdown of the game.
Reid rushed the ball twice for 11 yards while Diaz rushed the ball nine times for 64 yards and a touchdown.
“I’m proud of them for the second half, the effort and defensively, I’ll take this, we’ll take this momentum,” Molina said.
In preparation for next week’s game, Molina said the team will be practicing on Saturday.
“I care less about our record. It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. Playoffs has been our goal all year. I am happy with the way we finished, and now we just have to stay focused and go get that playoff spot,” Molina said.
San Marcos hosts Dos Pueblos at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 at Warkentin Stadium.