Wildcats 'never give up', pull out victory in final minutes

Paloma Valley running back Stephen Gallegos tries to avoid a Temescal Canyon defender. (Photo by Ardie Crenshaw)

By Paige Mendez, Correspondent

The Paloma Valley High football team won a tight game in the last minute of play Friday night in its season opener at Temescal Canyon, 41-37.

With four lead changes in the last 12 minutes of the game, the Wildcats were looking to answer a quick Eagles offense. They finally saw their first lead with a rushing touchdown by Stephen Gallegos in the middle of the fourth quarter, but Temescal Canyon answered within the next minute and took a 30-25 lead back.

Ethan Lingenfelter and Brady Nelson answered with a 13-yard pass play for a touchdown, complete with a two-point conversion, giving Paloma a 33-30 advantage.. But quarterback Koa Apana from Temescal Canyon kept moving the ball for his team and had an answer, bringing the score to 37-33 in favor of the home team with just over four minutes to go.

Paloma Valley quarterback Nelson was looking for an answer again and found it in Gallegos, who rushed for a total of 38 yards in the Wildcats’ last drive—not including his rush for the two-point conversion after his touchdown.

With 39 seconds to go in the game, Paloma’s defense had the task of stopping a quick Temescal team and had a scare with a pass from Apana that moved the ball to the 6-yard line. But a flag on the play took them just out of reach of another touchdown and the win went to the Wildcats.

Wildcats coach Zach Dilley said he will go into the new season knowing one thing for sure.

“I know my guys are never going to give up,” said Dilley. “That’s going to be the most important thing. There will be games that will be tough and games we’re supposed to win and we have to prove it every single day.”

Dilley said players like Gallegos, backed by a solid offensive line, really make the difference in these games.

Gallegos, who is in just his second year of playing football, said his team chemistry makes the difference.

“We’re all family; we are all so close that it just works,” said Gallegos. “It’s never over and we just do what we do in practice."

Wildcats quarterback Brady Nelson looks downfield for a receiver during his team's rally. (Photo by Ardie Crenshaw)

Stephen Gallegos heads into the heart of the Temescal Valley defense during his big night. (Photo by Ardie Crenshaw)

 Wide receiver Noah Howard makes a leaping catch of a Brady Nelson pass in the second half. (Photo by Ardie Crenshaw)