‼️OFFICIAL HIGHLIGHTS‼️ Oak Grove Eagles vs Milpitas Trojans | GetSportsFocus

GSF Game of the Week: Milpitas Trojans Hold Off Oak Grove Eagles in a South Bay Classic

MILPITAS, CA — August 28, 2025. Two of the South Bay’s most respected football programs went head-to-head under the lights Friday night as the Milpitas Trojans hosted the Oak Grove Eagles in the GSF Week 2 Game of the Week — and it was every bit the classic fans hoped for.

First Half: Fireworks Early

Oak Grove struck first on their opening possession. Sophomore quarterback Jordan McCoy found Steven Grijalva for a beautiful 27-yard touchdown strike after a strong opening series featuring tough runs by sophomore back Noah Vierra. The extra point was blocked, giving the Eagles an early 6–0 lead.

Milpitas responded quickly. Junior quarterback Jonah Mati showcased his poise and arm strength, connecting with freshman playmaker Aiden Guglielmelli for a 47-yard touchdown to even the score at 6–6.

Both defenses then tightened up. Senior Elisha Pena recorded a sack, while Oak Grove’s Devin Cisneros and Aaron Wiley made key stops to force turnovers and stall drives.

Late in the first half, the Trojans’ defense created momentum. Junior Nizhir Bess forced a fumble, and Mati once again linked up with Guglielmelli for a red-zone touchdown. After a successful PAT, Milpitas led 13–6.

Moments later, another takeaway set up the play of the night — a 70-yard sprint to the end zone by junior running back Esene Head, who showcased elite speed to extend the lead to 20–6. Oak Grove answered with a determined nine-play drive capped by a short Vierra touchdown run to trim it to 20–12, but a Ricky Miramontes 30-yard field goal just before halftime gave Milpitas a 23–12 edge at the break.

Second Half: Defense and Discipline

Oak Grove’s special teams opened the second half strong with Adrian Stone recovering a kickoff, but Milpitas’ defense held firm. Mati and his receivers regained control, setting up Miramontes’ second field goal — a 36-yarder — to extend the lead to 26–12.

The Eagles refused to quit. Behind Vierra’s relentless running, they mounted another long drive that ended with a touchdown by Stone, cutting the deficit to 26–19 with 6:19 remaining.

Down the stretch, Oak Grove’s defense — led by Isaiah Pinal, Wiley, and Cisneros — made a crucial fourth-and-one stop to give their offense a final shot. McCoy drove the Eagles downfield, finding Grijalva and John Baluyot for clutch first downs. But on fourth down from the 17-yard line, Milpitas corner Reynaldo Dunbar broke up a pass intended for Brandon Steward, sealing the win for the Trojans.

Postgame Reactions

QB Jonah Mati (Jr.): “We made a few mistakes, but we kept working every day in practice. We’re focused on improving and winning next week.”

RB Esene Head (Jr.): “Milpitas is a loving community — great academics, great football. Coach King’s a legend. We’re going all the way this year. I promise you that.”

DB Nizhir Bess (Jr.): “It shouldn’t have been that close, but our defense stepped up. Reynaldo Dunbar locked it down and gave us the chance to win.”

Coaching Legacy and Takeaways

Head Coach Kelly King has led Milpitas through decades of South Bay football dominance, capturing multiple championships over the years. This latest win over another storied program showed that the Trojans are once again on the rise, built on balance, toughness, and disciplined defense.

Mati finished 8-of-19 for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Head added 113 rushing yards and a score, while Bess turned in a complete performance — two sacks, a forced fumble, and a recovery. For Oak Grove, Vierra led the ground attack, and McCoy connected with Grijalva for key plays all night.

GSF Honors

🏆 GSF Game of the Week MVP: Jonah Mati (Milpitas QB, Jr.)
🎯 GSF Defensive Playmaker: Nizhir Bess (Milpitas DB, Jr.)

Both players led by example and delivered in key moments that defined the Trojans’ 26–19 victory.

What’s Next

Milpitas continues its 2025 campaign looking to recapture the championship glory of Coach King’s earlier years, while Oak Grove — young, talented, and physical — proved they’ll be a problem for any opponent this fall.