Friday night figured to be an entertaining game between the undefeated Aragon Dons (4-0) and the Scotts Valley Falcons (0-4). Dubbed the “Academic Bowl,” students and teachers alike anticipated for the teams to take the field on Sept. 26. After all, Coach Steve Sell acknowledged Scotts Valley’s defensive identity throught the league. Yet with just one play, the tide instantaneously turned, rendering the Falcons unable to recover or to find a rhythm for the remainder of the game.
With 5:17 left in the first quarter, the Falcons were moving downfield into Aragon territory. To continue the drive, Scotts Valley was faced with a fourth-and-four at the Don’s 32-yard line. However, Aragon junior defensive back Devin Grant would have none of that. He undercut Scotts Valley quarterback Jake Lobo’s pass and picked it off, before taking it all the way to the end zone for a 65-yard touchdown, putting the Dons on the board. Suddenly, what had initially appeared to be a strong drive by the Falcons turned into a seven point lead for the Dons and would later prove to be the turning point of the game.
“Devin’s pick six got us juiced. We were pumped.” adds senior offensive lineman Scott Becker.
Consequently, the Falcons would struggle to find a spark in the second half following Grant’s game-defining pick six, which would prove to be the difference maker early in the game. The precise timing pertaining to his interception could largely be attributed to the hours of studying in the film room and specific pointers from the defensive coaches. In preparation for the game, the team recognized that exact play and labeled it the “Scotts Valley Special.” “When they [isolate] the other way, I automatically drop back and play into pass coverage. Both tight ends cross the middle and I stay all the way with my guy. I was ready and he threw it right to me and I took it to the house,” said Grant.
Consequently, the Falcons would struggle to find a spark in the second half following Grant’s game-defining pick six, which would prove to be the difference maker early in the game. The precise timing pertaining to his interception could largely be attributed to the hours of studying in the film room and specific pointers from the defensive coaches. In preparation for the game, the team recognized that exact play and labeled it the “Scotts Valley Special.” “When they [isolate] the other way, I automatically drop back and play into pass coverage. Both tight ends cross the middle and I stay all the way with my guy. I was ready and he threw it right to me and I took it to the house,” said Grant.
