Gallant Ponderosa effort isn’t enough

SHINGLE SPRINGS — Ponderosa’s visions of shocking first place Folsom in Friday’s Delta River League Senior Night matchup fell short as the visiting Bulldogs emerged the 42-25 victor.

The Bruins gave Folsom all it could handle, playing like a team on a mission while standing toe-to-toe with the Bulldogs to give them something they hadn’t encountered yet — a halftime deficit.

With energy and passion, the Bruins were spurred on by an interception return from Jeff Camilli (three touchdowns, 10 tackles) to take the first lead. Ponderosa continued to build its momentum and after two quarters of play held a precarious 25-21 advantage.

Everything accomplished in the first half quickly vanished in the third quarter as Folsom wasted little time taking back the lead with a touchdown in the opening minutes of the third quarter. The score gave the Bulldogs a 28-25 lead they’d never relinquish.

After the interception from Camilli, a back-and-forth battle ensued between the two teams as Folsom struck with a touchdown of their own and a 7-6 lead. The Bruins answered to open the second quarter with a march to the land of quick six behind the running of Jeff Martin (61 yards) and Camilli (84) to regain the 12-7 advantage on a 4-yard scamper from Camilli.

Once again, Folsom answered with a touchdown before the defense of Andrew Olson, Alex Roberds, Curtis Catron, Martin, Camilli, Wyatt Kelly and Jake McClelland along with a host of other Bruins created some pressure, resulting in interceptions by Kelly and Roberds.

Ponderosa capitalized on one of the turnovers as Jake Bist found Ralph Raetz on a slant route that resulted in a 17-yard touchdown to give the Bruins an 18-14 lead midway through the second quarter.

Folsom responded before Camilli rumbled 55 yards to the end zone with a little under three minutes left in the half. After the extra point by Curtis Goldsmith, the Bruin defense stopped the Folsom offense and took a 25-21 lead going into the third quarter.

Despite the loss, a victory by the Bruins this Friday against Sheldon will result in Ponderosa finishing the year above .500 and capturing a spot in the Division I section playoffs.