This reporter had the good fortune to witness one of the best high school football games in memory, when Central Catholic of Modesto upset heavily favored Saint Marys of Stockton two months ago in a renewal of the "Holy Bowl". Central Catholic with a student body of just 400 played"David" to Saint Mary's "Goliath" with their student body of over 1200.
Another Giant was slain Friday night as the Modesto Christian Crusaders shocked previously unbeaten Escalon (9-1) 28-20 to win the Trans Valley League championship and complete an improbable regular season undefeated (10-0)
in their inaugural year in the T.V.L.
The Crusaders earned the number 1 seed in next week's Sac-Joaquin Section division 5 playoffs.
Scrappy QB Jesse White led M.C.'s offense, throwing three touchdowns and keeping Escalon's defense off balance with his slick ball handling and scrambling ability. The Crusader's defense stymied the Cougars hearlded wing T running attack all night, then blitzed on obvious passing downs creating havoc and confusion that Escalon could not cope with.Modesto Christian just seemed more focused and prepared for this game. Which was understandable since local pundits questioned whether the Crusaders even belonged in T.V.L., let alone compete for the championship in what Cal-hi Sports considers the best small high school football conference in the state of California. The 4500 fans who saw this great game are convinced the Crusaders do indeed belong.The rivalry got off to a great start and should be very competitive for years to come.
Escalon opened the scoring on a 33 yard field goal by Jesus Duran to take a 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. M.C. bounced back when QB white found Chad Sargent with a 19 yard touchdown pass on a crossing pattern , giving the Crusaders the lead at 7-3. Escalon then drove the length of the field but settled for another Duran field goal to trail 7-6 late in the 2nd quarter.
With under 2:00 minutes left in the half White and Sargent teamed up again on a spectacular pass play. White lofted a pass on a sideline pattern where the much taller Sargent out jumped 2 Escalon defenders,making a great catch, then kept his balance as he came down and sprinted down the sideline for a 39 yard touchdown and a 14-6 halftime lead.
Modesto Christian opened the second half on defense and got a huge play from tight end/defensive end Zack Sudfeld. A 6 foot 7 inch forward on the Crusaders state ranked basketball team, Sudfeld used his basketball skills, tipping
an interception to himself, resembling a rebound.
