Dedicating time before the start of the game to sing the national anthem, the Giants line up on the field’s sidelines.
On Sep. 2, varsity football dominated in their first home game of the season against tough competition: Rancho Cotate, a team they had lost to 42-14 in 2022.
Large contributions were made from all players, most notably with senior receivers Van Hampton and Jackson Walker, who connected with junior quarterback Kody Vasquez on many instances, leading to key touchdowns.
Approaching halftime, the game was tied 14-14, leaving fans and players anxiously anticipating what would happen next. Starting strong in the third quarter, Redwood scored a crucial touchdown, causing them to take the lead 21-14.
However, after struggling to defend Rancho’s agile quarterback, the Giants saw themselves down 34-21 with only two minutes left. In those two minutes, the team did the impossible: they scored two crucial touchdowns, one with junior Sean Cunneen running the ball in and the other with a crisp pass to Walker, leaving only 11 seconds on the clock. Securing up the victory with a clean kick, senior Wilson Schwartz put the team ahead by one point and demonstrated the team’s calm performance under intense pressure.
Overall, the boys’ outstanding comeback may be the opening to an equally impressive season. Support the boys by watching their next game against Enterprise at home on Sep. 21 to see if they can pull out another victory.
Jackson Walker and senior Marco Milani carry flags and lead the team to the field in a show of pride.
Dedicating time before the start of the game to sing the national anthem, the Giants line up on the field's sidelines.
Giving each other a handshake, Ronan Ralston and junior Ashlin Quach celebrate their 35-34 victory.
Stopping Rancho just short of a first down, defensive linemen demonstrated grit throughout the long game.
Linebacker and junior Alex Srinivasan shows appreciation for his teammates following the end of the fourth quarter.
Players anxiously await the referee's call, unsure if the play was a turnover.
Supporting the team throughout the entire game, the varsity cheer team engaged the audience and kept the energy high.
Redwood’s parents stand up in support as the Giants continue to score more points.
Blocking opponents for senior Ronin Zaim, senior Dante Rivera allows Zaim to gain more yards.
Awaiting the start of the play, the defense gets in position to rush the quarterback.
Kody Vasquez showed his skillset with 239 passing yards and a 66 percent completion rate.
Following a hard-fought game in the heat, junior David Martinez embraces several other players on the team.
After high-fiving Rancho Cotate following the end of the game, the team takes a moment to hype each other up.
Acknowledging the moment, senior Van Hampton and junior Ronan Ralston congratulate each other on their win.
After his first home win as starting varsity quarterback, junior Kody Vasquez expresses his joy at the game's turnout.
Overjoyed at the success of the team, senior Carlos Demouraneto hugs his fellow teammate.
Leaping over players in an attempt to get a few more yards, Sean Cunneen had a total of 133 yards throughout the game.
Celebrating after a touchdown that put the Giants ahead 14-7 in the first quarter, senior Jackson Walker and junior Sean Cunneen enjoy the moment.
`Attempting to get the first down in the first quarter, senior Ben Jacobs dodges Rancho’s defensemen.
Mayson Weingart is a senior at Redwood High School and is a review editor for the Bark. She enjoys playing volleyball, spending time with friends and watching sports.
