Mill Valley football faced Saint Thomas Aquinas on Friday, Nov.November 15th in a heated rivalry game, dating back years. Mill Valley, coming off of three wins in their past three matchups versus Aquinas, were the underdogs.
The team was feeling confident going into the game, senior Zach Zaldivar spoke about the preparation that goes into each game.
“Going into the game on Friday, we felt pretty confident because we had prepared all week and were ready for the challenge,” Zaldivar said.
Mill Valley came out hot to start the game, forcing a fumble on the opening kick. Less than four minutes into the first quarter, Mill Valley capitalized off of Aquinas’ mistake by driving down the field and scoring, thanks to senior Connor Bohon’s one yard rushing touchdown.
Mill Valley and Aquinas would battle hard throughout the rest of the first quarter, but the Jaguars were able to hold on to the lead going into the second quarter, 7-0. The two teams continued fighting right up until halftime, where Aquinas would score another touchdown on a very short rush. The Jaguars and Saints headed back to the locker room at halftime, 15-7 in favor of the Saints.
The Jaguars had a fire in their eyes coming into the 2nd half of this matchup. They would capitalize less than two minutes into the third quarter, making it 14-15, Saints with the lead.The Jags defense battled through the third quarter keeping the score 15-14.
Aquinas had the ball starting the fourth quarter, At the two minute warning, Mill Valley’s momentum came to a screeching halt. The Saints went on to score, making it 22-21, with the Jags still in the lead. However, on the extra point attempt, Mill Valley was penalized for encroachment. This set Saint Thomas up for their second two point conversion of the game. The Jags ended up down 23-22, with less than a minute left. Mill Valley wasn’t able to go down the field and score, ending their season in a heartbreaking loss, 23-22.
One of the most respected rivalries in Kansas did not disappoint with this game. Junior Blake Jay reflected on the season as a whole.
“We had a great season and gave Friday everything we had, but sometimes the ball lands on red,” Jay said. “This team was one of a kind and the memories that were made will never be lost.”
