UPDATE: The Golden Valley Grizzlies football team has kept its playoff dreams alive with a decisive 43-28 victory over the West Ranch Wildcats on October 27, 2023. Junior Aaron McCormick delivered a phenomenal performance, rushing for 235 yards and scoring four touchdowns at College of the Canyons’ Cougar Stadium.
McCormick’s standout display powered the Grizzlies (4-5, 3-2) closer to a coveted playoff berth, marking their potential fourth appearance in five years. “It was really big,” McCormick stated. “I think we all had this mentality of, ‘It’s win or go home,’ and that pushed us to try our hardest.”
The victory sets the stage for a thrilling regular-season finale next week against the Saugus Centurions, where the winner will secure the third and final automatic playoff spot in the Foothill League. The stakes couldn’t be higher; a loss could leave the Grizzlies out of the playoffs due to their under-.500 record, while the Centurions are already above .500.
Head coach Dan Kelley emphasized the importance of the upcoming game, urging his players to treat it as a playoff match. “If you don’t win, you don’t deserve to be in the playoffs,” Kelley said, driving home the urgency of the situation.
In addition to McCormick’s explosive runs, senior quarterback Jayce Johnson contributed significantly with 116 passing yards and one touchdown pass, along with 39 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Kelley praised Johnson for his decision-making, stating, “He gets better every week. Don’t try to win the game. Your job is to manage the game.”
The Grizzlies dominated the first half, leading 22-7 at halftime after initially trailing to a touchdown from West Ranch’s junior quarterback Blake Johnson. Despite a challenging start, Golden Valley quickly answered with a series of touchdowns from McCormick and Johnson, putting them firmly in control.
West Ranch (2-7, 1-4) fought back with a strong effort, including a 41-yard touchdown run from junior Mesziah Ramos, who totaled 90 yards on the ground. Coach TJ Yonkers noted that while the outcome wasn’t what they hoped for, there were moments of growth for his young players. “We’re trying to build momentum,” Yonkers said, emphasizing their focus on player development.
The Grizzlies were efficient in the red zone, scoring on all five of their attempts. McCormick’s performance was a testament to the offensive line’s improvement, which Kelley believes set the tone for the game.
With a total of 22 first downs compared to West Ranch’s 10, Golden Valley showed their offensive prowess. As they prepare for the decisive matchup against Saugus, McCormick’s mindset remains clear: “Win, win, win.”
As the excitement builds for this crucial upcoming game, Golden Valley has positioned itself on the brink of playoff contention. Fans and players alike are now eagerly awaiting the showdown against Saugus, where the Grizzlies will fight for their postseason dreams.
Stay tuned for updates as this thrilling story develops.
