Golden Valley Grizzlies Secure Playoff Spot with 43-28 Win

UPDATE: The Golden Valley Grizzlies have kept their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling 43-28 victory over the West Ranch Wildcats at College of the Canyons on Friday night. This crucial win puts the Grizzlies one step closer to securing a playoff berth for the second consecutive year and the fourth time in five seasons.

Junior standout Aaron McCormick was the star of the night, rushing for an impressive 235 yards and scoring four touchdowns. “It was really big,” McCormick said post-game. “We had this mentality of, ‘It’s win or go home,’ which pushed us to give our all.”

This victory sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown next week against the Saugus Centurions. The Grizzlies (4-5, 3-2) must win to claim the final automatic playoff spot in the Foothill League. Conversely, Saugus, already above .500, will be vying for an at-large berth.

Head coach Dan Kelley emphasized the importance of the upcoming game, stating, “Treat next week as a playoff game. If you don’t win, you don’t deserve to be in the playoffs.” Kelley praised his quarterback, Jayce Johnson, who contributed 116 passing yards and a touchdown, calling his performance “impressive.”

The Grizzlies built a commanding 22-7 halftime lead, despite initially trailing after West Ranch’s opening touchdown. McCormick quickly responded, scoring on an 8-yard run followed by a 9-yard run, and Johnson connected with Anthony Baldoze for another touchdown.

While West Ranch (2-7, 1-4) fought valiantly, their efforts fell short. Head coach TJ Yonkers noted the team’s focus on developing young talent. “We’re trying to build momentum with these young guys,” Yonkers said. His players showed promise, with junior Mesziah Ramos scoring a 41-yard touchdown and accumulating 90 rushing yards.

As the regular season wraps up, the pressure mounts for both teams. Golden Valley has a clear path to the playoffs if they can emerge victorious against Saugus. McCormick’s attitude reflects the urgency of the moment: “Win, win, win.”

Fans are eager to see if the Grizzlies can capitalize on this momentum as they aim for playoff glory. With so much at stake, next week’s game is shaping up to be a must-watch.