The bus ride over to San Rafael was one of subdued contemplation and concentration Friday night, Sept. 14. It was a must-win for the boys’ varsity football team.

That night they delivered, making swift work of the San Rafael Bulldogs, jumping quickly to a 27 point lead at half, and ultimately winning by a score of 53-6.

“This is the Redwood team we knew we had,” said head coach Corky Henderson. “Tonight we had everything come together.”

Defensive turnovers were a key to the game with the Giants scoring three times off of turnovers.

“We knew we had a chance to get the ball on defense. We were just clawing all game,” said Louis Knox, senior, who had a 50-yard touchdown return in the second quarter after Matt Blum knocked the ball loose from a San Rafael ball carrier.

However, Redwood’s usually-dominant players were not the only ones putting points up on the board.

Receiver Zach Chayra landed his first touchdown reception of the season off of a four yard pass from quarterback Zach Dubin, and junior Jack Cathcart scored his first-ever Redwood touchdown off of a pick-six, earning one of their three defensive scores.

“San Rafael never quit, so we couldn’t quit,” Henderson said.

Although the Giants had a 33-6 lead at halftime, they did not let up in the second half.

Senior Henry Mesker returned an onside kick for a touchdown to open the second half. Junior Khari Haynes punched the ball in on a six yard rushing touchdown later that half.

Redwood is now 1-3 overall, and 1-0 in MCAL rankings. They will face Marin Catholic in two weeks.

“We’ve tasted victory,” shouted linebackers coach J.J. Davis in the final huddle. “Now let’s salivate for more.”