In a raucous, thrilling game worthy of the rivalry’s best tradtion, the Royals varsity squad overcame the Chargers of Dos Pueblos in overtime tonight, winning by a final score of 24 – 17. Following a big gain on a James Crook to Max Cavalier on the first play of overtime, San Marcos benefitted from a pass interference penalty againt D.P. in the end zone on third down and goal from the 3 yard line. Two plays later, Manny Hernandez forced his way through the pile and into the end zone for the go-ahead score. The Royals defense then stuffed the only Dos Pueblos chance to match their TD, with Brendan Caldwell forcing a fumble that resulted in a Kirk Renga recovery which ended the game.
It was a complete team victory. The Royals’ defense was challanged by a potent DP offense, but at least four times, possibly more, Royals defensive backs arrived at the Chargers’ receiver at the same instant as the ball, forcing incompletions, many on crucial third down plays. And the San Marcos offense found its passing stride for the biggest output of the season, with James Crook completing at least his first ten passes (some say fourteen) and Max Cavalier grabbing two for touchdowns. Bennie Kirkwood held on to a first-down completion over the middle, going high and holding on despite being upended by the defender at the moment of the catch. And Kevin Blum returned his first varsity interception to help set up a field goal before the half, interrupting what could have turned out to be an insurmountable DP scoring drive. The half ended with San Marcos in front 17 – 10.
San Marcos now turns their attention to powerful Buena High, visiting next week for the last Royals home game of the season, with an early Halloween start time of 6 pm. Then it’s on to Santa Barbara High the following week, as the Royals attempt to complete the City championship and move toward the CIF post-season.
