The second round of playoff games was full of upsets last Friday. We enjoy upsets – well at least the underdog schools do – because there not supposed to happen. There are most always explanations why the heavily favorite team loses to the underdog. I will uncover these mysteries in what I call the P-Files. Do you believe? (Cue creepy music)

Upset Games

Los Banos at Tracy: The Tracy Bulldogs were a victim of their own mistakes. They made two costly turnovers near the end of the game that sealed their fate. Tracy’s Depray Celestine ran all over Los Banos’ defense scoring three times but it was not enough as LB quarterback Erik Martin put his team on his back and carried them to victory. Martin threw one touchdown and rushed for three more one of which was the game winner. Tracy QB Casey Wichman threw an ill timed interception that wasn’t his fault and fumbled the ball on what would have been their game winning drive. This game wasn’t a mystery. Explanation: Tracy made one too many mistakes and Los Banos took advantage.

Pleasant Grove and Vacaville: Tied 28-28 after three quarters had to shake up Vacaville. Pleasant Grove despite giving up over 500 yards of offense managed to shutout the Bulldogs in the fourth quarter and scored another ten points. Bulldog running back Jimmy Hines accounted for over 300 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown. PG’s defense had over 50 assisted tackles compared to Vacaville’s 16. Pleasant Grove swarmed the ball all night. It seems Vacaville was not prepared for Pleasant Grove’s intensity and ran out of gas after the third quarter. Explanation: Pleasant Grove made plays when they needed to and took a bend doesn’t break approach on defense. But most importantly they came away with points on almost every drive. 

Oakdale at Vanden: I thought that Oakdale was going to lose this game. They scored early and often leading Vanden 35-0 at halftime. Oakdale dominated the game with their outstanding rushing attack consisting of Devon Brooks, Tim House, and Daniel Linder. Their defense made it difficult for Vanden QB Ben Scott intercepting him three times returning two for touchdowns. Mustang QB Robert Stout only threw 2 passes which to me makes this offense one-dimensional. Vanden was supposed to exploit their weakness but ended up showing theirs. Explanation: Turnovers – especially four – will kill your chances of winning very quickly.

St. Mary’s and Del Oro: I totally called this game. I said that whoever scored last will win and that happened – I just thought it was going to be St. Mary’s. Del Oro was one of the top teams in their division no doubt about that – everyone was on the St. Mary’s bandwagon. St. Mary’s wide receiver was shut down by Del Oro’s defense. Del Oro quarterback Max Magleby threw two touchdowns to wideout Spencer Butterfield. Meanwhile Bryce Pratt controlled the clock rushing for 139 yards on 32 attempts hitting pay dirt twice. Explanation: This game has no explanation. Both teams were determined to win but Del Oro was able score and their defense was able to hold on to secure the win.

Games that Upset Me

Sierra and Benicia: This game upset me simply because Benicia was supposed to go gently into that good night as I stated that Sierra had the best path to the championship. I also foolishly said that Oakdale would go down and Sierra would win. It almost went the completely other way. 

Modesto Christian and Escalon: This was Escalon’s last chance to get even but Isaiah Burse ran wild all over those Cougars. MC will be tough to beat. I anticipate them being too much for Central Catholic. Burse is playing like a man on a mission right now.

Central Catholic and Summerville: The Raiders always win. I’m ready for someone else to step up and win. I thought Summerville had the goods to contend with CC…Wrong! Anyway, Central Catholic versus Modesto Christian will be a marquee matchup.