Following the Giants’ 7-2 rivalry loss last week against Tamalpais, there were numerous questions surrounding Redwood’s lack of offensive output, but this week, they put them to rest. The Giants walked away with a 42-0 homecoming game victory against Napa, pushing their league record to 2-2 and overall record to 4-4.
From kickoff, the Giants came out amped up and fueled by the homecoming crowd and spirit. As expected, the Giants’ defense started off the game strong, forcing a punt after only allowing one first down. Redwoods’ offensive game plan for the day (to run the ball and wear out the defense to open the passing game) was obvious from the start. On the first drive, senior running backs Riley Ulin and Ben Harp were able to find holes in Napa’s defense and chip away with little gains, leading to senior captain Dylan McGrath scoring a touchdown to put the Giants up early 6-0, beginning a lead that would only extend.
Shortly after the Giants forced a 3-and-out, the offense scored on a McGrath reception. The Giants would score two more touchdowns in the first half off of another McGrath reception and a reception by junior Olen Johnson.
The second half was much of the same, with the defense suffocating Napa’s attack and the offense being able to move the ball unlike their earlier season games. McGrath scored yet another touchdown to start the second half, ending his day with 4 touchdowns, matching his jersey number. Ulin rushed for a touchdown to close out the offense’s outstanding performance.
“We were able to get the defense on their toes by running the ball, we put pressure on them to stop the run, and that opened up our pass game,” senior captain Ben Vaughn said.
Junior quarterback Cash Ward got the start for the Giants and was able to make the most of his opportunity. He threw four touchdowns in the first half, five total in the game, and completed 14 out of his 17 pass attempts. McGrath was Ward’s favorite target, but mixed in was utility Vaughn, who ended the day with 5 receptions as well as leading the defense’s linebackers.
A defensive spotlight for the Giants was their secondary, who successfully held Napa’s passing game to a minimum and helped out with run cleanups. Senior cornerback Rudy Vazquez had an interception and numerous tackles.
“Coach JJ has dialed up great schemes for every game, which is why we have been so successful on defense. We also just have a group of guys that click and want to work hard,” Vaughn said.
Amongst all of the homecoming buzz, the Giants made their mark on the day’s activities with this statement win. Not only was the win within the league, but it could also be vital in the Giants’ push to make the North Coast Sectional playoffs with only two games left in the regular season.
The Giants will look to keep the defense strong and continue this week’s offensive success in a league game next week against a faltering Justin Siena team.
