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Amid the rain and chill of Hooper Stadium, the Franklin Wildcats did something they've never done before — they won a playoff game.
Nevada Union couldn't overcome four turnovers and eleven penalties for 100 yards as they lost in the first round to Franklin (Elk Grove), 41-16.
The Wildcats, who had been 0-4 in previous playoff appearances, played error free football for most the game. Franklin was penalized only three times and turned the ball over once.
Franklin did, however, make it a point to capitalize on the Miners' mistakes. The Wildcats returned two interceptions for touchdowns and scored another as a result of a Miner turnover.
The Franklin defense also keyed on the Miners' run game and stuffed it from the start.
Nevada Union could only garner 45 yards on the ground off 15 carries.
“We couldn't run the ball very well and when we did, we got called for holding,” Nevada Union coach Dave Humphers said. “It was real frustrating and with the rain it was hard to throw it.”
The majority of the offense fell on quarterback Kyle Cota's shoulders. The junior threw for season highs in yards and attempts Friday, going 19-49 with 279 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
Cota's main target was Jake Hofhienz, connecting 11 times for 181 yards and a touchdown.
But as the rain continued to fall and the ball got slick, more and more of Cota's passes fell harmlessly to the turf.
Franklin's standout defensive end, Nathan Di Donato, kept Cota on the run in the second half, as it became apparent the Miners had committed to the pass.
Di Donato came into Friday's game with 18 sacks this season. He would notch three more before the game was over.
The Miner defense was the best in the Sierra Foothill League this year, only allowing 18.3 points per game, but against Franklin the defense was put in tough situations by a floundering offense.
Franklin only managed 110 yards passing from Blake Owensby on 5-12 passing and the run game managed just more than 100 yards, but with good field position and an opportunistic defense the Wildcats were able to run away with the blowout win.
The Miner defense was led by Tanner Valllejo who wrapped up eight tackles, two of which were for a loss. Vallejo also led the Miners in rushing with 33 yards on nine carries.
Hank Humphers nabbed three tackles for a loss as he totaled six total tackles for the game.
Nevada Union's top rusher on the season, Gabe Humphers, managed just 12 yards on six carries.
Nevada Union's season is now over and Franklin will take on top-seeded Lincoln next week.
“The biggest thing I feel right now is real proud,” Dave Humphers said with tears in his eyes. “We lost some tough games earlier, and our kids just kept battling and made the playoffs. It took persevering and took staying positive.”
Even though the football games are over, there is some good news as 13 Miners grabbed All-Conference honors. Vallejo was named the SFL's co-Defensive MVP while Alec Sarner, Conner Fuller, Gabe Humphers, Ian Davis, Hofheinz and Tyler Houlihan earned All-Conference first team honors. Braaten Sill, Dominic Pettinato, Josiah Paye, Cota and Pat Chapple all earned second team honors.
Nevada Union couldn't overcome four turnovers and eleven penalties for 100 yards as they lost in the first round to Franklin (Elk Grove), 41-16.
The Wildcats, who had been 0-4 in previous playoff appearances, played error free football for most the game. Franklin was penalized only three times and turned the ball over once.
Franklin did, however, make it a point to capitalize on the Miners' mistakes. The Wildcats returned two interceptions for touchdowns and scored another as a result of a Miner turnover.
The Franklin defense also keyed on the Miners' run game and stuffed it from the start.
Nevada Union could only garner 45 yards on the ground off 15 carries.
“We couldn't run the ball very well and when we did, we got called for holding,” Nevada Union coach Dave Humphers said. “It was real frustrating and with the rain it was hard to throw it.”
The majority of the offense fell on quarterback Kyle Cota's shoulders. The junior threw for season highs in yards and attempts Friday, going 19-49 with 279 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
Cota's main target was Jake Hofhienz, connecting 11 times for 181 yards and a touchdown.
But as the rain continued to fall and the ball got slick, more and more of Cota's passes fell harmlessly to the turf.
Franklin's standout defensive end, Nathan Di Donato, kept Cota on the run in the second half, as it became apparent the Miners had committed to the pass.
Di Donato came into Friday's game with 18 sacks this season. He would notch three more before the game was over.
The Miner defense was the best in the Sierra Foothill League this year, only allowing 18.3 points per game, but against Franklin the defense was put in tough situations by a floundering offense.
Franklin only managed 110 yards passing from Blake Owensby on 5-12 passing and the run game managed just more than 100 yards, but with good field position and an opportunistic defense the Wildcats were able to run away with the blowout win.
The Miner defense was led by Tanner Valllejo who wrapped up eight tackles, two of which were for a loss. Vallejo also led the Miners in rushing with 33 yards on nine carries.
Hank Humphers nabbed three tackles for a loss as he totaled six total tackles for the game.
Nevada Union's top rusher on the season, Gabe Humphers, managed just 12 yards on six carries.
Nevada Union's season is now over and Franklin will take on top-seeded Lincoln next week.
“The biggest thing I feel right now is real proud,” Dave Humphers said with tears in his eyes. “We lost some tough games earlier, and our kids just kept battling and made the playoffs. It took persevering and took staying positive.”
Even though the football games are over, there is some good news as 13 Miners grabbed All-Conference honors. Vallejo was named the SFL's co-Defensive MVP while Alec Sarner, Conner Fuller, Gabe Humphers, Ian Davis, Hofheinz and Tyler Houlihan earned All-Conference first team honors. Braaten Sill, Dominic Pettinato, Josiah Paye, Cota and Pat Chapple all earned second team honors.
To contact Sports Writer Walter Ford, e-mail wford@theunion.com or call the Sports department at (530) 477-4232.
