Golden Valley Edges West Ranch, Eyes Playoff Spot Next Week

UPDATE: The Golden Valley Grizzlies football team has kept its playoff hopes alive with a thrilling 43-28 victory over the West Ranch Wildcats at College of the Canyons’ Cougar Stadium on November 3, 2023. Junior standout Aaron McCormick dominated the field, rushing for 235 yards and scoring four touchdowns, leading his team closer to a postseason berth.

The win is crucial for the Grizzlies, currently at 4-5 overall and 3-2 in league play, as they prepare for a decisive matchup against the Saugus Centurions next week. The outcome of this game will determine the third and final automatic playoff spot in the highly competitive Foothill League. With their current record, a loss would eliminate Golden Valley from playoff contention, while Saugus would qualify with a win.

“It was really big,” McCormick stated after the game. “We all had this mentality of, ‘It’s win or go home,’ which pushed us to try our hardest.” Head coach Dan Kelley echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of treating the upcoming game as a playoff battle. “If you don’t win, you don’t deserve to be in the playoffs,” Kelley remarked, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The Grizzlies seized momentum early, leading 22-7 at halftime after recovering from an initial West Ranch touchdown. McCormick scored twice in the first half, while senior quarterback Jayce Johnson added a touchdown pass and a rushing score, finishing with 116 passing yards and 39 rushing yards. Kelley praised Johnson’s management of the game, noting his ability to make smart decisions on critical plays.

West Ranch, now 2-7 overall and 1-4 in league play, faced challenges in their pursuit of a playoff spot but showed resilience with moments of brilliance. Wildcats junior quarterback Blake Johnson connected with junior Charlie Samuelson for a 42-yard touchdown to start the game. Coach TJ Yonkers acknowledged the team’s growth, stating, “We’re focusing on the process, not just the results.”

Despite the loss, West Ranch showcased talent, with junior Mesziah Ramos scoring a 41-yard touchdown and finishing with 90 yards on 13 carries. The Wildcats are set to conclude their regular season with a road game at Canyon, looking to build on the momentum they’ve gained throughout the season.

As the Grizzlies prepare for their critical game against Saugus, McCormick’s mantra is clear: “Win, win, win.” The stakes have never been higher for Golden Valley, and with their playoff future on the line, all eyes will be on their performance next week.

For those following the Grizzlies’ playoff journey, stay tuned for updates on their upcoming clash with Saugus, where every yard gained could mean the difference between a playoff berth and an end to their season.