Tehachapi News

Wasco forces tie in SSL standings

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The upset-minded Wasco Tigers used a sharp momentum shifting play in the fourth quarter, stripping a fumble with Tehachapi in scoring position, and racing 97 yards for a touchdown to pull out a shocking 27-21 win

With the defeat, the Warriors are now in a deadlock tie for the league championship, with Wasco, Taft and Tehachapi all sporting 7-2 (3-1 SSL) records.

Tehachapi can still win a share of the league crown this week with a victory over Arvin, which was the 28-21 winner over Bakersfield Christian this past Friday night.

Mountain Football had a strong performance on offense against the Tigers from Jesse Olofson, who had is fourth 200-yard rushing game of the season with 210 yards on 26 carries, scoring twice in the first half.

Other impressive games came from Max Clark on special teams, who had an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and Brennen Davis, Michael Lowder and Adam Bullard, who all recorded interceptions. Drew Howell and Travis Farewell also had fumble recoveries, while Chris Rush had five completions for 63 yards and Zach Maravigli two catches for 23 yards.

Also catching passes was Olofson and Lowder, who had receptions of 23 and 17 yards, respectively.

Tehachapi will be on the road for their final regular season game of the year at Arvin. Should Tehachapi win, they can win their seventh SSL title in 18 years of existence with the league.

A win can also earn a high seed in the CIF central section playoffs, including a possible No. 1 seed based on current regular season standings from Division III eligible teams.

The game will be at Arvin this Friday night, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The Braves will also have a contest against Arvin on Friday, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m., while the Indians will be in action this Thursday at Arvin, Nov.12 at 5 p.m.

Braves clinch SSL title

The Braves left little doubt on the top team in the South Sequoia League, taking down Wasco 31-7 to clinch at least a share of the championship.

Wyatt Vance scored the Braves’ first two touchdowns on short runs at the goal line, while Brian Castaneda scored on a 23-yard run in the fourth quarter and added a 35-yard field goal before halftime.

“They really stepped it up, every phase of our game was really doing well,” said head coach Ryan Grimes.

Vance’s first score was set up on a key 25 yard pass play to Robert Natividad from quarterback Bobby Howell.

David Lara also recovered a fumble in the endzone on a muffed punt to account for the fourth touchdown of the afternoon for Tehachapi (7-2; 4-0 SSL).

With a victory over Arvin this Friday, Tehachapi can finish the season as undefeated league champions.

“The season isn’t over yet, we can’t take Arvin lightly,” added Grimes. “It’s important for us to remain focused and finish.”

Indians win on last second field goal

The freshmen Indians had a flare for the dramatic last Thursday afternoon, with Dalton Scaggs kicking a game winning 27-yard field goal as time expired to propel Tehachapi (4-5; 3-1 SSL) to a 17-16 victory.

Justin Wilson led the offense with 43 yards and a catch for nine yards, while Blake Waters had 38 yards, a touchdown, and a two point run and Barry Jones had 21 yards and a score. Ian Neufeld also returned to action to record 42 yards on seven attempts.

On defense, Calvin Herman had five tackles, a fumble recovery and a sack, Justin Wilson had 12 tackles, Michael Contreras had five tackles and a sack and Blake Waters had a fumble recovery.