Pop Warner’s Gilroy Browns teams split with the Hollister
Vikings over the weekend.
GILROY – Pop Warner’s Gilroy Browns teams split with the Hollister Vikings over the weekend.
Mighty Mights finished strong and will participate in the Penninsula Pop Warner Southern League Superbowl.
Junior Pee Wees secured their position in the playoffs with a 7-1 record by defeating the Hollister Vikings, 33-13. In the first quarter, Richie Sotelo ran for a 35-yard touchdown followed by a successful two-point kick from Nick J. Garcia. Just before the half, quarterback Nick Marra threaded the needle to Sotelo – who secured the second touchdown as well as a third on a 65-yard scamper. In the third quarter, Ryan Brown intercepted a pass and set up the next 60-yard TD run by Sotelo – who also scored the extra point. Then, the defense took over with Juan Delgado and Rene Rios sacking the Viking quarterback and forcing a fumble that was recovered by Russell Brown. In the final quarter, another interception by Brown allowed the Browns to set up for the final touchdown – which was a Joshua Ignagni run up the middle.
Pee Wees ended their regular season with a 7-1 record and go into the playoffs as the top seed – giving them the Southern League Championship in the Penninsula Division. The locals edged Hollister by a score of 18-12. The first half went back forth with the two teams matching scores. The first touchdown was run in by Mitch Murro and was followed by Sammy May in the second quarter for a halftime tie of 12-12. In the third quarter, Murro rushed for the third TD to take an 18-12 lead. The defense held Hollister for the rest of the game with Marcus Guerrero recovering a fumble. The Vikings made a final attempt in the last 30 seconds – completing two pass plays that were both deflected by Guerrero.
Junior Midgets fell in the final minutes to the Hollister Vikings, 32-23, but they still are headed into the postseason after finishing first in the Southern League. The Browns dominated the game throughout the first half with Vince Giacalone scoring a touchdown from 85 yard out. Jason Roamsburg, rushing up the middle, scored the second touchdown followed by Dominic Pirozzoli running in the extra point. Then in the third quarter, Issac Carrillo ran for yet another TD followed by a successful kick off the foot of Jesus Alcatar. The fourth quarter however, brought injuries which unraveled the Browns as they gave up several touchdowns to the Vikings.
Midgets finished their season with an 8-6 loss to Hollister. Vince Martinez had two of three touchdown runs called back on penalties. The final kick by the Browns – which would have won the game – was also called back on penalties. The Midgets ended their season 4-4 and fifth place overall.
