The Hilmar High varsity football team continued its successful season on Friday night with a second-round playoff victory over Amador High, defeating the Buffaloes 44-7.
“We played a tough opponent this week, but got ahead and had a couple big plays that turned the game away,” head coach Frank Marques said.
Quarterback Treven Crowley threw a great game for the Yellowjackets (9-2 overall; 4-2 TVL), going 8 for 10 with 246 yards, two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown of his own. Hilmar’s defense allowed just one score from the Buffaloes (8-4 overall; 2-3 MLL), which came in the game’s second quarter.
“The defense stepped up tonight and played a great game,” Marques said. “I’m really proud of the defense and the great game they played tonight.”
Leading the highlight reel during Hilmar’s spectacular defensive display was Cole Cozine, who finished the game with two interceptions and a fumble recovery for a touchdown, the latter of which came in the first quarter of the game. The Yellowjackets also scored in the first quarter thanks to a 12-yard run from Crowley.
In the second quarter, Hilmar scored thrice. Kicker Bryan Millan made 39- and 44- yard field goals, and Crowley connected with wide receiver Aiden Azevedo for a 61-yard touchdown. Azevedo finished the night with four receptions for 134 yards.
“It makes my job a lot easier because we have so many weapons and are able to hit different receivers at different times,” Marques said. “It’s fun to have all of these kids playing really well right now.”
In the third quarter, Crowley found Issac Sharp with a 43-yard touchdown pass and running back Justin Rentfro completed an 8-yard dash into the end zone. Millan also completed a 34-yard field goal in the third.
“It’s just great to have a kicker like that,” Marques said of Millan. “It was one of the best games he’s had all season.”
Next week, the Yellowjackets will face a familiar foe in Escalon High during the Division VI CIF Sac-Joaquin Section semifinal game. Last year the two teams faced off under identical circumstances, and Hilmar walked away with a Section title.
Marques is looking forward to a rematch, he said.
“Hilmar and Escalon are what high school football is all about,” he said. “It’s two great communities, two great programs and I’m sure it’s going to be a knockout, drag out game played Friday night.”
Hilmar and Escalon will face off at 7 p.m. on Nov. 16 at Hilmar High School.
