UPDATE: The Golden Valley Grizzlies football team clinched a crucial victory against the West Ranch Wildcats, winning 43-28 on November 3, 2023, at College of the Canyons. This win keeps the Grizzlies’ playoff hopes alive as they prepare for a decisive showdown next week.
Junior sensation Aaron McCormick was unstoppable, rushing for an impressive 235 yards and scoring four touchdowns. “It was really big,” McCormick said, emphasizing the win’s significance. “Going into this game, we had the mentality of, ‘It’s win or go home.’”
This victory sets the stage for a high-stakes clash against the Saugus Centurions next week, where the Grizzlies (4-5, 3-2) will vie for the final automatic playoff spot in the Foothill League. A win guarantees their playoff berth, while a loss would eliminate them due to their under-.500 record. The Centurions, already above .500, would still qualify as an at-large team.
Head coach Dan Kelley is preparing his squad with a clear message: “Treat next week as a playoff game. If you don’t win, you don’t deserve to be in the playoffs.”
Adding to the Grizzlies’ offensive prowess, senior quarterback Jayce Johnson contributed 116 passing yards and 39 rushing yards, with one touchdown pass and another rushing touchdown. Kelley praised Johnson for making smart decisions throughout the game, stating, “He’s doing a better job with it, and I always tell him, ‘Don’t try to win the game. Your job is to manage the game.’”
Golden Valley took control early, leading 22-7 at halftime after responding to an initial touchdown by West Ranch. McCormick scored twice in the first half, and Johnson connected with senior Anthony Baldoze for another touchdown.
Despite the loss, West Ranch head coach TJ Yonkers noted the importance of the experience for his young team. “We’re trying to build momentum with these young guys,” Yonkers said. “It’s not always going to go our way, but we’re focusing on the process, not just the result.”
West Ranch junior Mesziah Ramos showcased his talent with a 41-yard touchdown run, finishing the game with 90 yards on 13 carries. Blake Johnson also made significant plays, including a 44-yard completion to senior Aidan Lynch, who ended the night with 73 receiving yards.
With 22 first downs compared to West Ranch’s 10, Golden Valley demonstrated their offensive dominance. As both teams prepare for their final regular-season games, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Grizzlies.
As McCormick puts it simply, “Win, win, win.” Tune in next week as the Grizzlies face Saugus for a chance at the playoffs, promising an electrifying showdown.
