UPDATE: In a stunning display of power, De La Salle crushed San Ramon Valley with a resounding 42-0 victory in the North Coast Section playoffs on November 3, 2023. The Spartans, ranked #1, showcased their dominance right from the opening kickoff, setting the tone for an emphatic win.
Just seconds into the game, Jaden Jefferson electrified the crowd with a 53-yard kickoff return, igniting his team’s momentum. Following a false start, Duece Jones-Drew found the end zone on a 30-yard run, giving De La Salle an early lead that only grew as the game progressed.
By halftime, the Spartans had a commanding four-touchdown lead, scoring on four of their first five possessions. Notably, Emery Speight caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brayden Knight, pushing the score to 14-0. Jefferson, the state’s 100-meter champion, further extended the lead with a dazzling 53-yard touchdown run, showcasing his speed and agility.
The second half saw Jefferson continue his scoring spree with a 35-yard touchdown run, marking his second touchdown of the night and bringing the score to 35-0. Jack Dimalanta capped off the scoring with a 7-yard run, solidifying the Spartans’ victory at 42-0.
The Spartans’ relentless defense also played a crucial role, as Cameron Shepherd intercepted a pass in the end zone late in the game, thwarting San Ramon Valley’s best scoring opportunity. This victory improved De La Salle’s all-time record against San Ramon Valley to 27-0-1, with an impressive 282-0-1 record against NCS opponents since their last loss in 1991.
Looking ahead, De La Salle (11-0) is set to face either Pittsburg or Liberty for the Open Division championship next week. The stakes are high as the Spartans aim for their 33rd consecutive section title. With their powerful performance, De La Salle has firmly established itself as the team to beat in Northern California.
As playoff excitement builds, fans and players alike are eager to see if the Spartans can maintain their winning streak and secure another championship.
