PV ends long layoff with loss
Turnovers mar return in loss to YC
YUBA CITY >> A stretch that lasted 482 days finally finally came to an end Friday night.
After more than 15 months of no football, the Pleasant Valley High football team was back in action. It was the first time PV played a game since Dec. 7, 2019 when the Vikings suffered a season- ending loss to Escalon in the CIF Division 4-A NorCal Regional Finals.
Though the Vikings fell to host Yuba City 14-7, it was a relief to be back on the gridiron.
“One of my buddies said it best, even though we lost it felt so good to be back on the field,” said Vikings quarterback Ian Guanzon. “Words can’t describe it. It was so surreal. I was thinking about it all week.”
After learning that a positive COVID-19 case appeared on the Sutter High football team last week, the Vikings opener was pushed back another week.
The opening quarter included a combined four turnovers. On the first play from scrimmage Ethan Alexander hauled in an interception to start the game off for PV.
However, the Vikings’ ensuing drive ended in a lost fumble.
The Honkers’ blocked a punt to end the first quarter, leading to the first touchdown of the game on a 1-yard run from Mason Niccum.
The Vikings, looking to tie the game going into halftime, were at the Honkers’ 7. But PV couldn’t find the endzone and went into the break trailing 14-7.
“We’ve got to become more physical,” said PV coach Mark Cooley.
Yuba City took a 14- 0 lead on a 1-yard run Joaquin Porcayo at the 7:08 mark in the third quarter.
PV’s would gain some momentum on its next drive. On third down and 3, Guanzon aired out a pass under pressure to Sean Saise to move into Honker territory.
However, a turnover on downs stifled the Vikings rally.
On the final possession of the third quarter, Guanzon connected with Grant Garettson over the middle.
Two plays later, Guanzon lifted a 35-yard pass in stride to Saise for a touchdown, the first of the season.
“We’ve been talking about connecting until the end of last season,” Guanzon said of Saise.
Trailing 14-7, PV had one final possession with 1:54 to go. Guanzon found Ryan Dyrr for a gain of 13.
On third down, Guanzon heaved the ball to Cody Morris but the pass broken up by Dane Tedder.
PV’s last drive ended on a turnover on downs.
PV (0-1) will face Chico High next Friday.
” The defense kept us in the game. We just couldn’t move the ball,” Guanzon said.