Monterey Trail’s Successful Football Season
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December 13, 2009 • Jesse Iloreta
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Our Monterey Trail football team has come a long way since the beginning of the season. The Mustangs have been training hard ever since the end of last year looking for that perfect season. The 09-10 Mustangs have gone beyond everyone’s expectations making their mark in Monterey Trail’s football history.
Monterey Trail started their history making run against Elk Grove, being the first Monterey Trail team to beat the Thundering Herd in a shut out victory. The Mustangs would have four shut out victories total; Elk Grove, Valley, Bethel, and Sheldon.
Going into league, Monterey Trail would face a top-ranked opponent, the Sheldon Huskies, in their first Delta River League match up. The Mustangs took Sheldon by storm in the first quarter, having an explosive 35 points. This offensive first quarter onslaught set a record for the most points scored in the first quarter in Monterey Trail football history. An impressive 44-0 win over Sheldon grabbed the attention of local football teams recognizing Monterey Trail as a force to be reckoned with.
Monterey Trail would have their biggest test yet, visiting the Folsom Bulldogs. As Monterey Trail took the field, Folsom would go to work taking a 14-7 lead into the half. With a scoreless third quarter from both teams, Monterey Trail looked to put points on the board as they scored late in the fourth tying the game up 14-14 taking the game into overtime. Folsom would be the first to score in OT making it 21-14. Monterey Trail would retaliate with a touchdown of their own and a dramatic two-point conversion run by Drake Tofi to beat the Folsom Bulldogs, 22-21. Monterey Trail fans who made the trip to Folsom could be heard all the way from Elk Grove as they cheered in jubilation.
The Mustangs faced the Pleasant Grove Eagles in their third Delta River League match. Although taking an early lead at home 14-7, Monterey Trail just couldnt hold on as the Eagles would win 28-21.
With the loss, Monterey Trail punished their next two Delta River League opponents Jesuit 57-41, then the Florin Panthers at Mark Macres night, 40-6.
Mustang pandamonium would be at an all time high as Monterey Trail entered the playoffs for the second time in Monterey Trail history as a top seed. The Mustangs first playoff opponent came from Turlock to Mark Macres Stadium, the Pitman Pride. The Mustangs offense and defense was on key all night against Pitman as they rolled to victory 59-21, the Mustangs first playoff win in history.
Monterey Trail’s next playoff opponent would be the clash of the Titans. Burbank came into the competition confident, but wouldnt score until the third quarter. Big plays from Evan Favors and Drake Tofi pulled the Mustangs closer to the next round as they won 22-8 .
The Los Banos Tigers overcame top-seeded Tracy to face the Mustangs. With the Tracy loss, Monterey Trail would have that home cookin’ at the Mark Macres Stadium. Los Banos would be first to post points on the board, but the Mustangs would tear the Tigers offense up. Monterey Trail rolled over Los Banos like they were playing a JV team, scoring 49 points in three quarters. Monterey Trail football would be the only Elk Grove school to travel to a championship game, making history yet again.
On a wet and muddy Saturday afternoon on December 12th, Monterey Trail took on Nevada Union in the Division 1 Championship game at the University of Pacific. Nevada Union seemed to be at home, being used to a wet environment. The Mustangs couldn’t seem to get their offense going in the rain throughout the entire game. As the clock ticked down in the fourth, the hopes of a Division 1 title slipped away from the Mustangs. Nevada Union would win 20-2. Despite the loss, Monterey Trail did a hell of job this football season.
I’m proud to have covered the Mustangs this season. The Mustangs have accomplished alot and they should hold their heads high. Good Job to the 09-10 Monterey Trail Football team. I wanted to see the Mustangs play in the championship game so bad that I ditched my ACT, which I paid 45 dollars for, and begged my mom for her car so I could drive all the way to Stockton with working wiper blades.
For Voices from the Trail, this is Jesse Iloreta.
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We had a good run and it is our team’s accomplishments that really matters this season. Good Job Mustangs!
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Thank you Jessie, and the entire Voices of Trail staff for all of your coverage of Monterey Trail football. Jessie you are an outstanding journalists. You have a very bright future! Thank you again for all of your time and effort!
Coach Ewing
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What a great seaoson for the Mustangs. Out of all the years I have watched the mustangs “Varsity” play, this is by far the best. Especially when they defeated Elk grove, in the home game. I enjoyed watching every football game here at MTHS, and hope for another great seaon this coming year.
-Thanks
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