Branham’s Comeback Effort Fell Short Against Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa, favored to win their game against Branham, encountered some major pushback from the Bruins that made winning the game even sweeter. Branham is led by a junior QB Willy Augenstein, a shifty, athletic, 6’1″, 185 lb with an arm. Defensively, Branham played well but three and outs and turnovers hurt the Bruins in a major way.

The Saints, however, looked and played well. Five players stood out the most: Jaxson Moore, Joshua Reyes, Ronald Henry, Noah Gardere and Ian Quintero. Moore never really left the field. He kicked on kickoffs, punted, played DE, played OL and he is in the running for our GSF Weekly DL of the week. Noah Gardere and Ian Joshua Reyes along with Ronald Henry pretty much took out Branham’s passing game. Ian Quintero was a beast on both sides of the ball. All five of these guys can take Santa Teresa deep into the playoffs if they all stay healthy.

Branham’s mistakes cost them. Each of the turnovers turned into Saints points and they were down 21-0 before finally scoring their first touchdown. Thanks to the special teams’ Elias Antillion’s kick return for a TD, the offense also got the scoring going on their next possession as well

Santa Teresa’s defense took care of business all the way to the end despite giving up three touchdowns. Head Coach Steve Papin addressed the team’s lack of urgency on offense after the game but praised his defense on keeping Branham’s young QB scrambling for his life most of the game. Branham also had some key drops on offense the would’ve been major gains and maybe even touchdowns.

The big turning point for Santa Teresa was Henry’s INT in the second just when Branham was about to score. That led to the first touchdown of the game aided by a questionable “horse collar” tackle that was clearly a hand full of jersey that just so happens to be directly on the back of the ball carriers’ back. That drive ended in a touchdown as well.

Branham’s comeback effort was solid and they nearly pulled it off. All in all Santa Teresa was the better team and they won.
QB Jayden Arevalo completed 6/17 passes for 142 yards. One of his completed passes was to Kai Mathews who took it all the way inside the ten-yard line a 70-yard catch and run.

Joshua Reyes, a solid rock athlete scored two touchdowns. He trucked 18 times for 41 hard yards.

Willy Augenstein finished with 127 yards in the air with two touchdowns. He also rushed for 94 yards on 20 carries. But he also threw three picks that spotted the Saints with really good field position to score.

Final score 27-21 Santa Teresa.