Players of the game: The Madera linebacking corps was busy all night trying to wrangle in the Bullpups running game. Although Travon Houston rushed for more than 100 yards, many of his carries were short. Michael Brocchini, Matt Ylarregui and Kyle McCann combined for 24 tackles, including five tackles for losses. Hanford was held to just 5-of-13 on third downs and punted six times.
Unsung heroes of the game: The only time you hear about special teams is when they make a mistake. The Madera Coyotes special teams was ‘special’ Thursday evening. Kicker Breesa Meza made her extra point, which proved to be the difference in the game. Akram Pacheco-Lopez blocked Hanford’s extra point, which proved to be huge. Cole Brincefield sent his two kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks and had four punts average 37.5 yards.
Play of the game: Facing a third-and-10 on its first drive of the game, Madera quarterback Colt Nelson hit Joziah Velasquez on a screen pass. Velasquez ran down the field for a 22-yard gain to help set up the Coyotes’ lone touchdown.
Drive of the game: Madera was on a nice drive, getting the ball inside the 10-yard line to go ahead by a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. However, Jayson Regua had the ball punched out of his hands and Hanfod recovered. The Madera defense, like it had all night, bent, but did not break. Hanford converted on two third downs and got the ball to their own 40-yard line. Anthony Gonzalez stopped Houston for a gain of six and, on third-and-4, Nicholas Collier and Josiah Morales combined to sack Hanford quarterback Joseph Estrella and force a punt. The Coyotes were then able to run out the clock.