Los Gatos Defense Stonewalls St. Francis in Thrilling Playoff Win

UPDATE: Los Gatos High School stunned St. Francis with a remarkable defensive stand, winning 14-7 in the opening round of the Central Coast Section Division I playoffs. This decisive victory was sealed in the dying moments of the game, as the Wildcats thwarted St. Francis on three consecutive goal-line attempts.

With the clock winding down, St. Francis running back Kaimani Keanaaina, who had dominated the second half, found himself stopped each time, ultimately held to just one yard on his final three rushing efforts. In a dramatic finish, a surge of Los Gatos linemen and linebackers crashed the line of scrimmage, preventing any advance and freezing the clock at zero.

This thrilling moment marked Garrett Bertsch’s first defensive play of the season, and it turned into a pivotal effort that defined the game. “I just loved playing with that group of guys at the end, and I wanted to come up big for them,” Bertsch stated, reflecting on the team’s unity and determination.

The Wildcats had anticipated a heavy run from St. Francis, practicing a short-yardage formation to counter the Lancers’ powerful offensive strategy. Coach Mark Krail praised his players’ commitment and teamwork, stating, “We preach family and we preach brotherhood… They get another week together, which is so great.”

This win not only advances Los Gatos in the playoffs but also reinforces the tight-knit community spirit that drives the team. As news unfolds, fans can expect to see how this win impacts their journey in the tournament. Stay tuned for more updates on Los Gatos’ playoff progression and upcoming matchups.

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