UPDATE: Jefferson’s mascot is the Grizzlies, not the Indians. 

The Matadors faced the Jefferson Grizzlies on this Friday Sep. 18. As MVHS looked to bounce back from a disappointing loss against Seaside HS, JHS looked to continue their undefeated season. The game started with Monta Vista’s run heavy attack behind seniors James Migdal, Golan Gingold and Radwan Hamwi. MVHS jumped ahead early in the game after Hamwi’s touchdown. JHS came roaring back as senior quarterback Damari Cual-Davis marched them down the field to eventually tie the game at seven. JHS’ defense would not back down and stopped MVHS on their next two possessions. JHS on the other hand had scored with ease with star senior David Benjamin Jr. leading the way. By halftime the Matadors found themselves trailing 14-7.

The second half started looking a lot like the first with JHS coming out and scoring at will. MVHS found its rhythm again and ended up in the Indians red zone. However, they came up short on fourth down. The Matadors defense held strong and forced a three-and-out. MVHS’ special teams stepped up as Migdal blocked the punt to give the Matadors excellent field position. With Gingold scoring on the drive the Matadors drew within seven. The Matadors started to tighten up and forced another punt. The special teams again came up strong as smenior Pranav Iyer sacked the punter after a low snap. As the final quarter began, Iyer finished off his efforts with an eleven yard touchdown run to tie the game. As the Matadors defense continued to force three-and-outs, the Matador offense produced touchdowns from Gingold and Hamwi respectively. With under five minutes left, the Indians went on a comeback run behind Cual-Davis and Benjamin Jr. to quickly score. They then attempted an onside kick and recovered, keeping their hopes alive. JHS was eventually faced with a fourth down on MVHS’ twenty yard-line, with a bit of trickery JHS ended up in the endzone. Only an extra point away from winning, the Grizzlies decided to gamble and tried to win it all. They attempted the two-point conversion but were stuffed at the goal line by senior Jason Lee.

The Matadors went on to win the game 35-34 and look ahead as they face Santa Teresa HS at home on Friday Sep. 25 at 7:00 pm.