ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Monterey Trail Mustangs traveled Friday, Nov. 21 to play the Folsom High Bulldogs in the semifinals of the San-Joaquin Section Playoffs, with Folsom the No. 1 seed and the Mustangs No. 4.            

Before going into this game, both teams had won their quarter-final game in dominant fashion. Folsom beat Downey High 62-34, while Monterey Trail topped Inderkum High School 45-3.   

 

The Monterey Trail Mustangs offense breaks huddle.

    

The Mustangs were looking to knock off the No. 1 seed like they have done in the past. 

However, the Bulldogs came out strong. Their defense was able to force a turnover on the second play of the game. Their offense was able to score a touchdown in one play, giving the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead in less than a minute.        

Monterey Trail was able to get the ball back and score a touchdown on its following drive, tying the game and looking to swing the momentum back in its favor.

But Folsom’s special teams were able to return the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, regaining the lead.       

The Mustangs were able to possess the ball for the remainder of the first quarter, yet they were unable to turn anything into points, giving the ball back to the Bulldogs.                         

In the second quarter, Folsom was able to find another gear that Monterey Trail could not. The Bulldogs scored two touchdowns on offense, while their defense was able to force a second turnover that they were able to return for a touchdown. That ended the first half 33-7.                  

Coming into the second half, the Mustangs were looking to climb out of a hole to keep their season alive. But Folsom was able to continue where it had left off.                  

 

Defensive Back #10 Guarding Wide Receiver 

        

Both the Bulldogs’ offense and defense were firing on all cylinders, making them able to score and stop the Mustangs at will.                                

The Mustangs continued to fight the entire rest of the game, even scoring one touchdown in the fourth quarter. However, the damage was already done.                                

The game ended with Folsom winning 54-14. The Bulldogs have a chance to play for yet another section championship against Oak Ridge High School on Nov. 28.       

Although the Mustangs’ season did not end on a high note, they have nothing to be ashamed of, ending the season with an outstanding record of 9-3 and finishing first in the Delta League.