Heading into last Friday’s matchup, Gustine High and Delhi High football teams’ seasons were highlighted by their struggles.
Gustine came in at 2-7 (0-5) overall with a six-game losing streak. Delhi was 1-8 (0-5) overall and had lost seven straight games coming in. While both teams were looking out of the playoffs, the regular season finale was nothing short of remarkable in the final minute.
Trailing 16-12, Gustine forced and recovered a fumble from Delhi at its 35-yard line. With how Gustine has performed offensively, the Reds had a chance to win the game. However, that moment was short-lived. Daniel Navarro’s pass was intercepted by Delhi’s Isaac Flores to seal the win for the Hawks.
Gustine concludes the regular season at 2-8 overall and winless in Southern League play.
Throughout the game, Gustine consistently went for it on fourth down, even at its own yardage. Head Coach Collin Lane said that he believes that it’s more effective to go for it on fourth down rather than punting the ball away.
“If it’s fourth and three, our mindset is ‘we can go get it,’” Lane said. “The mindset is we can get three and keep the ball out of [Delhi’s] hand.”
Some of those fourth down attempts were detrimental for the Reds while some paid off.
After forcing a Delhi turnover on downs, Gustine was lined up at its 41-yard line. After missing on the first three attempts, the Reds decided to attempt the fourth down. That risk paid off as Jack Swafford ran past the Hawks’ defense for a 59-yard rushing touchdown. Gustine missed the two-point conversion but led 6-0 after the first quarter.
After an earlier fourth down conversion, Gustine decided to go for it again, but this time at its 40-yard line. They failed on the conversion and gave Delhi a chance to tie the game.
The Hawks got to Gustine’s 11-yard line and scored a touchdown to tie the game at six points. Bryan Martinez threw a pass to Ivan Rhodes who rushed to the endzone. Delhi missed the two-point conversion.
Near the end of the first half, Delhi had an opportunity to take the lead. Going for a fourth down at Gustine’s 11-yard line, the Hawks fell short of a down conversion.
With 27 seconds remaining in the half, it was enough time for Gustine as Crue Correa ran for a 85-yard rushing touchdown to give the Reds a 12-6 lead going into the second half.
After a successful opening half, the Reds offense was stagnant in the second half.
On fourth and three on its 35-yard line, Gustine didn’t get the down conversion. The stop paid off for Delhi, who scored after Rhodes recorded a 35-yard rushing touchdown off a handoff to tie the game. The Hawks took a 14-12 lead following a two-point conversion.
In the final two minutes of the game, Delhi was at Gustine’s 10-yard line. After three attempts, the Hawks were now on fourth down. Instead of going for a field goal, Delhi decided to go for the conversion. Gustine forced a turnover on downs to retain possession.
With the game on the line, the Hawks sacked Gustine’s Eric Navarro in the endzone for the safety. Delhi went on to win the game.
Gustine will conclude its season in a bowl game at Pacheco High School on Friday 7 p.m.
