The eleventh ranked Pitman Pride’s (7-4, 3-2 CCC) season came to an end Friday night in Granite Bay, with the Grizzlies (7-3, 4-1 SFF) moving on to the quarter finals of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 1 Tournament on a final score of 35-19.

On the heels of a touchdown pass from junior quarterback AJ Derr to senior split end Shea Patterson and a run to the end zone from sophomore halfback Andy Mendes, the Pride held the Grizzlies to a 20-13 lead late in the second quarter. But Granite Bay scored back-to-back touchdowns to end the second quarter and open the second half, putting the game out of reach.

After those two scores, the Pitman defense ratcheted down and held the Granite Bay offense at bay while the Pride drove down and scored on a TD run from senior running back Andrew Perez. Pitman would control the ball for another long drive which eventually stalled out, sealing the game.

Despite the loss, Pitman Coach Brandon Harris credited his team for playing well this season and is already looking forward to the 2011 campaign.

“With a young team it’s definitely a season to build upon,” Harris said.

‘Jackets stung by Mustangs

The sixth-ranked Hilmar Yellowjackets (6-5, 4-2 TVL) kept it close until the fourth quarter of their Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4B playoff game Friday night, but lost 41-16 to the third ranked Argonaut Mustangs (9-2, 4-1 MLL) to end their season.

The Yellowjackets trailed 21 to 16 two minutes into the final period, but an Argonaut interception leading to a score and a recovered squib kick put the game out of reach.

Hilmar senior running back Isaac Dias put the first points on the board for the Yellowjackets with a long, 60-yard sprint to the end zone. Hilmar missed the ensuing point after attempt, but junior kicker Kurtis Bettencourt later connected on a 35-yard field goal. Senior running back Nate Azevedo also scored the Yellowjackets with a 1-yard touchdown run, with Bettencourt completing the PAT. Hilmar would not score again.

With the loss knocking the Yellowjackets from the SJS Division 4B Playoffs, Hilmar’s tough season –plagued by injuries including a season-ending compound left wrist fracture for junior quarterback Andrew Olson in week three – comes to a close.

Denair downed in D6

The sixth seeded Denair High Coyote’s (6-5, 5-2 SL) SJS Division 6 playoff hopes – and their season – came to an end in Sacramento Friday Night with a 62-20 loss to third seeded and defending D6 champs Bradshaw Christian (10-1, 6-0 SDL).

To contact Alex Cantatore, e-mail acantatore@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2005.