De La Salle Dominates San Ramon Valley in Playoff Showdown
De La Salle High School showcased its dominance in high school football by defeating San Ramon Valley High School with a decisive score of 42-0 in a North Coast Section (NCS) Open/Division I playoff game on November 10, 2023. The victory secured the Spartans a spot in the championship, where they will face either second-seeded Pittsburg or seventh-seeded Liberty next week.
The match began with a stunning opening kickoff as Jaden Jefferson returned the ball 53 yards, setting the tone for the game. Following a false start penalty, Duece Jones-Drew, making his return after weeks away from the field, scored a 30-yard touchdown run. This early momentum quickly snowballed, with De La Salle establishing a commanding lead that would grow throughout the first half.
Spartans Maintain Control
By halftime, De La Salle led by four touchdowns, having scored on four of their first five possessions. Emery Speight contributed to the score with a 14-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Brayden Knight, bringing the score to 14-0. Jefferson then showcased his speed and athleticism by sprinting 53 yards for another touchdown, further extending the Spartans’ lead to 21-0.
Jefferson added to his impressive performance with a five-yard touchdown run, marking his tenth touchdown of the season. He continued to dominate in the second half, scoring again on a 35-yard run with 8:14 left in the third quarter. Jack Dimalanta capped the scoring for the Spartans with a 7-yard run, solidifying the final score at 42-0.
Despite their flawless performance, De La Salle experienced some challenges during the game, including penalties that hindered their drives. Nevertheless, the Spartans maintained their status as the top team in Northern California, improving their all-time record against San Ramon Valley to 27-0-1. This victory also extended De La Salle’s remarkable unbeaten streak to 282-0-1 against NCS opponents since their last loss in the section, which occurred in 1991 against Pittsburg.
Future Outlook
With this win, De La Salle (11-0) aims to secure its 33rd consecutive section title in the upcoming championship. The Spartans are well-prepared to face their next opponent, whether it be Pittsburg or Liberty, as they continue their pursuit of excellence in high school football. Meanwhile, San Ramon Valley, the eighth seed, concluded its season with a record of 6-5, reflecting on the challenges faced throughout the year.
As the playoffs progress, all eyes will be on De La Salle as they strive to maintain their legacy in high school football while showcasing the talents of players like Jefferson and Jones-Drew.
