The Bears defeated the San Mateo Bearcats 42-28 on Friday evening.
The Bears started with the ball at the Bearcats’ 48-yard line, and on the first play of the game, senior quarterback Teddy Dacey found junior wide receiver Xavier Bedolla for a 40-yard pass to put them in the red zone. Senior running back Monty Turner then punched in a 1-yard rushing touchdown to put the Bears on the board, 7-0, with 8:12 left in the first quarter.
Even so, the Bearcats were able to quickly respond with a 47-yard pass and catch touchdown to tie the score at 7-7.
Despite San Mateo’s fast reply, the Bears weren’t intimidated and kept their composure. Starting at their own 6-yard line, the Bears managed to cover some ground and get breathing room with short passes and runs. San Mateo also continued to give up free yards from penalties. At the end of the first quarter, the score remained tied 7-7.
Kicking off the second quarter, another penalty on the Bearcats placed the Bears at the 3-yard line, where Dacey connected with junior tight end Leif Weintz for the touchdown. A successful extra point put the Bears back up 14-7.
However, this was short-lived as the Bearcats answered once again. A 36-yard pass led to a 6-yard rushing touchdown, evening the game at 14-14 with 4:20 left in the half.
A Bears drive would get them all the way to the Bearcat 1-yard line, but on the next three plays, they couldn’t find the end zone, closing out the half at 14-14.
San Mateo got the ball to start the second half, and on fourth down, junior safety Lucca Keighery forced a fumble, allowing senior defensive end Kolei Maile to recover the ball. Dacey looked to capitalize on the turnover and did so, launching a pass downfield to sophomore wide receiver Kyle Gabriel for a 40-yard walk-in touchdown, putting the Bears back on top, 21-14.
The Bearcats weren’t fazed, and on just their second play, the quarterback had a 60-yard rushing touchdown to make the score even at 21-21, with 7:18 in the third quarter.
The Bears stayed relentless with another great drive, mixing up runs and passes, putting the Bearcats’ defense on the tips of their toes. Senior running back Eva Ama joined the touchdown party on a 9-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Bears the lead 28-21 with 3:30 left in the third quarter.
The Bearcats were looking to match the Bears again, but on third down, junior cornerback Diego Madrid came up with a huge interception to end the drive early and give his offense the ball back.
On the first play of the possession, junior running back Marlo Jackson ran into traffic but broke off multiple tackles, bounced to the outside, and was gone for an 82-yard rushing touchdown that gave the Bears a two-possession lead, 34-21, heading into the final quarter.
San Mateo was able to find the end zone with a 1-yard touchdown run to chip away at the Bears’ lead, 35-28, with 7:16 left in the fourth quarter.
The Bears responded by converting on four third downs, leading to a Dacey passing touchdown to senior wide receiver Mathew Kwon, increasing their lead to 42-28.
San Mateo was desperately trying to make a comeback, but Keighery made a diving interception to close the game, handing the Bears their first win of the season with a final score of 42-28.
“Going into a bye week with a win is a great feeling, having all that momentum,” Madrid said.
“We got a taste of a win now, and we’re going to be chasing for it,” senior defensive tackle John Niko said.
“We haven’t had success these past few weeks, so it’s huge for everyone,” Kwon said.
The Bears will head home to face their crosstown rivals Menlo Knights next Friday at 7 p.m.
