Varsity football dominates Williams in playoff game

The Winters High School varsity football team hosted the Williams Yellowjackets in the California Interscholastic Federation, Northern Section Division 4 quarterfinals on Friday, Nov. 15. The Winters beat Williams 34-12. The WHS varsity football team received their first possession off a fumble recovery. In a five-play drive they scored their first touchdown, setting a scoring dominance the Warriors would keep the whole game. They dominated the line of scrimmage the entire game and ran the ball hard, with 56 carries for 419 yards. Carson Lowrie and Aiden Cruz were key as they moved the ball 354 yards. Coach Daniel Ward said it may have been one of the most dominant performances in his tenure.  “I don’t know if I have ever been so proud of a group of kids. To start out the year 0-4 and to now be playing in the semi-finals is a testament to their character, work ethic and resiliency,” said Ward. “We are playing our best football at the right time, and I think we may be the hottest team still playing.” The defensive team played a great game, up to the standards they set for themselves in the last three weeks. The defensive line held fast, controlling the field, making the Yellowjackets earn their two scoring plays. Ward remarked that Jose Escobedo and Cruz are two of the best linebackers in the section and it is fun to watch them fly around the field. The varsity team was joined by seven members of the WHS junior varsity team for the game. Sophomores Evan Davis, Conner Ray, Matt Moore, Emmett Edman and freshman Ethan Judd, Ethan Demment and Josmar Campusano were brought up for the playoffs. “We are playing good football and having fun doing it. We look forward to riding this wave for as long as we can,” said Ward. The Warriors are not the same team Pierce played earlier in the season. Now with a playoff win under their belt they will travel to Pierce High School for the NSCIF semi-finals in their second match against the Bears on Friday, Nov. 22.]]>