Font ResizeORINDA -- In a game featuring playoffs implications for both schools, the host Miramonte High football team had too much offense for Alhambra in a 48-27 Diablo Foothill Athletic League victory on Friday.
With the victory, Miramonte (6-4, 4-3 DFAL) furthered secured its position in the NCS Division III playoffs. Alhambra needed a victory to secure playoff eligibility.
The Bulldogs were led by running back Taylor Poyadue's stellar effort of 290 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The Matadors displayed their full offensive repertoire on Senior Night in Orinda; coming up with three successful passes by their halfbacks for game-changing touchdowns.
After tying the game at seven in the first quarter, the Matadors recovered an onside kick and then went ahead 14-7 on a 23-yard pass from running back Conor Bruen to Will Fuller.
But, Poyadue, who rushed for 135 yards in the first half, brought the Bulldogs right back with a 2-yard touchdown run. Miramonte ended the half with nine unanswered points and a 23-14 lead.
With the third quarter winding down, Alhambra (3-7, 2-4) climbed to within 26-20 with 2:17 to go on a touchdown pass from Leo Costa to Ethan Little. But, from there, the Matadors' Zati Williams caught two touchdown passes and the powerful Miramonte offense closed out the game.
Anderson threw for 252 yards, while Williams had 143 receiving yards.
Miramonte 48, Alhambra 27
Alhambra 7 7 6 7-- 27
A -- Poyadue 2 run (Paredes kick)
M -- Bruen 54 pass from Anderson (Howells kick)
M -- Fuller 23 pass from Bruen (Howells kick)
A -- Poyadue 2 run (Paredes kick)
M -- Williams 45 pass from Deutz (kick failed)
M -- Howells 24 FG
M -- Howells 23 FG
A -- Little 10 pass from Costa (kick failed)
M -- Williams 1 pass from Deutz (Sheehan pass from Anderson)
A -- Thomas 11 run (Paredes kick)
M -- Williams 11 pass from Anderson (Howells kick)
M -- Gee 32 pass from Anderson (Howells kick)
Rushing: A -- Poyadue 35-290, Costa 6-16, Thomas 1-11, Sockwell 1-0. Totals 43-317. M -- Bruen 10-35, Deutz 4-16, Solit 4-6, Anderson 3-6, Lavis 2-21, Fernbacher 1-0, Sheehan 1-(-5). Totals 25-79. Passing: A -- Costa 4-9-0 70. M -- Anderson 15-27-1 252, Deutz 2-2-0 46, Bruen 1-1-0 23. Totals 18-30-1 321. Receiving: A -- Archuleta 2-41, Evans 1-19, Little 1-10. M -- Williams 6-143, Deutz 4-37, Bruen 3-76, Gee 2-34, Sheehan 1-3, Paoletti 1-5, Fuller 1-23. Fumbles/lost: Miramonte 2/0, Alhambra 2/1. Records: Miramonte 6-4, 4-2 DFAL, Alhambra 3-7, 2-4.
