After a statement 41-6 victory over former Delta League opponent Sheldon last Friday, Monterey Trail will turn their sights to the defending East Bay League champions San Ramon Valley today in Danville.
The Mustangs ran all over Sheldon in their season opener racking up 247 yards and six rushing touchdowns. Senior running back Jehiel Budgett had 131 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Budgett also had 42 yards receiving and four catches.
Monterey Trail lost last year to number five Vacaville in the opening round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I Playoffs 43-27 but return most of their skill players on the offensive side of the ball as well as the defensive side of the ball.
The Mustangs brought back their three top rushers from last year in Budgett, their quarterback Zach Larrier and running back Viktor Oliver and their top three players in total tackles, including junior linebacker Marcus Jones Jr.
Also, Monterey Trail hope to get good production from sophomore Prophet Brown who last week ran for 40 yards and a touchdown, including a video game like 39-yard touchdown run.
Monterey Trail dominated the Huskies, but they should expect to have their hands full this week against the Wolves. San Ramon Valley opened up their season last week with a 56-7 victory over Heritage last Friday.
The Wolves return a ton of talent from last year’s team who were a number three seed in the NCS/Les Schwab Tire Football Championships Nor Cal Open Division and are expected to make another deep playoff run this season. San Ramon Valley lost to number two Pittsburgh 16-7 last year.
Last week, the Wolves were able to showcase their balanced offense and score on the ground and through the air as well.
Senior quarterback Brandon Cammisa threw for 132 yards and four touchdowns. While Cammisa controlled the offense and had success through the air, the rushing attack for San Ramon Valley also produced.
The Wolves as a team ran for 255 yards and three touchdowns on the night and keep running backs fresh by constantly having different players in the backfield.
Eight different players for San Ramon Valley had at least two carries but senior running back Tristan Sinclair lead the attack. Sinclair ran for 102 yards while only carrying the ball 12 times. Also, Griffin Turner and Jason Javier ran for 58 and 53 yards respectively and each scored a touchdown.
If Monterey Trail are going to replicate the success they had against Sheldon, their offensive line is going to have to create holes for Budgett and the rest of the Mustangs’ running backs while also being ready for San Ramon Valley’s passing and rushing attacks.
The game between Monterey Trail and San Ramon Valley will take place this Friday at San Ramon Valley High School at 7 p.m.
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