Former Paloma QB Nolan scores winning TD for Oregon State

Chance Nolan, shown here in his senior year at Paloma Valley, made a huge play for Oregon State Saturday night.

 
It is rare for a backup quarterback to make national television clips with his first career snap, but a former Paloma Valley High School QB made the most of his Chance Friday night.

Chance Nolan, who starred at quarterback for the Wildcats in 2016-17, entered the game with 33 seconds remaining, the ball just outside the goal line, and Oregon State trailing rival Oregon, 38-34. Beavers starting quarterback Tristan Gebbia had been injured on the previous play, trying to jam the ball over the goal line on third down.

On fourth down and inches, with the game on the line, Nolan followed his linemen over the goal line on a quarterback sneak for the go-ahead TD. Moments later, the Beavers (2-2) were celebrating a huge upset victory over Oregon (3-1), which entered the game ranked No. 15 in the College Football Playoff Rankings and No. 9 in the AP Top 25.

In his three-year varsity football career at Paloma Valley, Nolan passed for 9,024 yards and 104 touchdowns. He passed for 3,797 and 43 TDs in his senior year of 2017, leading the Wildcats to a 10-3 record and to the CIF Division 5 semifinals.

Nolan accepted a scholarship to Middle Tennessee State, where he red-shirted in 2018. He moved to Saddleback College in 2019 (left), passing for 3,315 yards and 38 touchdowns for the Gauchos, who posted a 9-2 record. Nolan was then recruited by Oregon State, where he has two years of eligibility remaining after this season. 

To watch highlights of the Beavers' upset victory, click on the YouTube link here. Nolan's winning touchdown is shown at the 12:49 mark.