Thomas proving to be the lightning to Wolves’ backfield
Much like their crosstown counterparts over at Pioneer High School, Woodland High School has a seemingly never-ending stable of high-quality running backs they can turn to in any situation.
Their running game, featuring different styles of runners, led the Wolves to their first home playoff win in 25 years when they defeated Colfax 22-19 Friday night. Their reward? How about a match-up against number one seed Escalon High School in the second round of the CIF Sac Joaquin D-V playoffs.
While the victory over the Falcons was a complete team effort, with scores coming from three different offensive weapons and a defensive score thanks to an Andrew Wilson sack for a safety, it would not have been possible without Wolves speedster running back Mason Thomas.
Thomas was his usual electric self, but where he really shined wasn’t in the box score. Instead, it was during the critical plays in between drives and scores, which he helped set up.
While duo James and Jonathan Thompson provided most of the hard carriers and two of the touchdowns against the Falcons, Thomas provides a different dynamic to the Wolves backfield that no one else can replicate.
“It’s awesome running with these guys,” Thomas said. “Everyone steps up, and everyone runs hard.
There is no first string or even a bonafide starter in the Wolves backfield, just different times and situations for different runners to get the ball.
“We need a spark plug sometimes on offense, and he provides that spark,” Wolves head coach Javier Marin said. “Once he gets running, it’s hard for him to stop. We have thunder, and we have our rocket or laser. He diversifies our rushing game.”
After his massive performance against Mesa Verde to close out the Wolves’ regular season in which he amassed 153 yards on just 13 carries, Thomas put up 87 yards rushing and 28 yards through the air. While the 100 plus yards may not catch your eye, it’s how and when he got those yards that was important.
Things looked grim as the Wolves faced a long third-down attempt, down 13-0 with the first-half clock nearly set to expire.
An incredibly timely catch and run from Thomas right up the middle of the field earned Woodland a first down and got them inside the Colfax 20 yard line before James Thompson punched it in from one yard out.
To start the half, Thomas once again got Woodland inside the Falcons 20 yard line after a huge run. Unfortunately for the Wolves, they’d turn the ball over on downs after Colfax was able to stop them on the nine-yard line. So while nobody scored, the Wolves had a slight field position advantage.
The field possession game led to the Wolves recording a safety to make the score 13-9.
After the kick-off, Thomas logged his third major clutch play on the night with another long first-down run. Once inside the five-yard line, the Wolves other thunderous running back Jonathan Thompson scored to give the Wovles a 15-13 lead.
After Colfax scored to make it 19-15, the Wolves turned to Thomas once again. On the ensuing kick-off, Thomas had a great return and got the Wolves to the 40-yard line carrying at least one member of the Colfax kick-off team. One play later, quarterback Santana Munoz found receiver Josh Prigge for a huge go-ahead touchdown.
“It’s been an amazing year,” Thomas said. “Our guys have faught day in and day out for this. When one guy goes down, we have ones to step up, and that’s the best way to win.”