The 14U Gridley Titans football and cheer teams after the Titans’ victory over Central Valley Falcons on Nov. 2. Photo by Tony Luquin

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - On Saturday, Nov. 2, the 14U Gridley Titans faced-off against the Central Valley Jr. Falcons at Willows High School, for the Sacramento Youth Football, National Athletic Legue Division Championship. The Titans prevailed with a final score of 38-20, earning the Titans the division championship.

The game was a battle for all four quarters. The Titans started in unfamiliar territory, being down 14-0 in the first quarter. They battled their way back, starting with a 40-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Alec Luquin, throwing a quick pass to receiver Isaiah Juarez, which he took up the field for a touchdown. From there, the Titans’ defense stepped in and was able to stop Central Valley from scoring on their next drive.

As the Titans were driving up the field right before halftime, they had seven seconds left on the clock as they entered the red zone. The Titans were preparing to attempt a field goal when Central Valley decided to call a time out. During the timeout, the Titans’ coaches decided to gamble and go for the touchdown rather than a field goal attempt. Alec Luquin subsequently threw a 15-yard touchdown to running back Hudson Oakley in the corner of the end zone, with Jose Briseno adding two successful back-to-back two-point conversions. This resulted in the Titans taking the lead into halftime with a score of 16-14.

To start the second half of the game the Jr. Falcons scored first but were unsuccessful in their two-point conversion attempt. The Titans were then able to march down the field again and complete a 35-yard pass to Isaiah Juarez, where Juarez made a one-handed catch and ran it in for a touchdown. Following Juarez’s touchdown, the Titans and their fans could feel a shift in momentum and the Titans never took their foot off the gas. The defense began dominating the field making big plays. Titans’ defensive end Jaiden Bandy forced two fumbles and had one sack, while Benny Zumwalt had two sacks along with line-backer Carson Cornell, defensive end Aiden Giradot, and tackle Hunter Jacobs, each collecting one sack. 

The Gridley Titans added two final touchdowns toward the end of the game which included a 29-yard rushing touchdown from receiver Carson Cornell and a 9-yard rushing touchdown from running back Benny Zumwalt. The Titans finished the game victoriously, winning their fourth division championship in a row. An amazing feat that shows all the hard work and dedication the players have put in.

This year, Sacramento Youth Football has added a “Super Bowl” game, which will feature the 14U Gridley Titans playing the Pioneer Valley League champions Bradshaw Christian Pride, on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Bear River High School.