On Friday November 8, the Varsity Bruin Football team took the opening game of the Division 6 Sac Joaquin Section (SJS) Playoffs to the next level by breaking the school’s record for most points scored. 

Bruins shredded opponents in a 64 to 26 victory over the Highland Scots, breaking the original record held by the school.

Varsity Head Coach Scott Savoie said that while he was proud of the way the team played last week, points scored isn’t a record they’re ever specifically aiming for. 

“Everyone played and contributed to the win… that was awesome,” he said. “… [But] points scored would be the last record on the books that we would try to break. We want to win of course, but demolishing a team with 60 plus points is not our goal. Those are high school students on that team. When we get ahead and the victory is locked, we like to make sure all of our players get a chance to play rather than keeping our first team guys in there and running up the score.” 

According to Offensive Guard Junior Warren Davis, it was Senior Running Back Colton Jenkins who ran the record-breaking touchdown, and explained how they celebrated. 

“Colton Jenkins stands out a lot, as he’s the one who ran the ball in for the record-breaking touchdown,” said Davis. “I ran down the field and did our celebration as I threw him up in the air because I was his lead blocker on that play.”. 

Jenkins explained that in the heat of the moment the team was not aware of the break. 

“At first I didn’t know we broke the record,” he said. “At the end of the game our coach told us and we all got excited.”

Coach Savoie also highlighted Jenkins’ especially strong game. 

“Several players stood out, but Colton Jenkins had a ‘lights out game,” he said. “He led in just about every statistical category.”

Senior Quarterback Tre Maronic commented on how he felt about their achievement last week. 

“It wasn’t our goal to break the record,” he said. “We played to win. Breaking the record was just a bonus.”

Senior Defensive End Caleb Hurst also talked about how he feels about the game. 

“I feel pretty good because even last year with our team that went 11-2 and blowing out teams all year we still couldn’t beat [the record] in any of the games and we managed to do that in a playoff one,” said Hurst. “The things that contributed to this were a good pass rush and our defensive backs with their interceptions helping get momentum going and in scoring position.”

For playoffs, many Junior Varsity Bruin players were pulled up to join the ranks of the Varsity team.  

“The sophomores and freshmen that got pulled up helped us with the win,” said Jenkins. “My favorite thing about last week was allowing everyone to get some play time.”

Hurst agreed with Jenkins. 

“My favorite thing about last week’s game was probably just the atmosphere and seeing all of these freshmen and sophomores coming in and flourishing in the game,” said Hurst. 

Coach Savoie also mentioned the boost in team spirit from these new additions. 

“The addition of 10 JV kids joining us was good for team morale,” he said.

The team commented on their goals for this week’s game against Hilmar, the defending state champion.  

“My goal for this week is to play well, get a lot of tackles, and come out with a big win,” said Hurst. 

“My goal for this week is no mistakes on defense,” said Jenkins. “I enjoy playing defense the most.”. 

Davis commented on the team’s goal as a whole, considering the fact that Hilmar is one of the hardest teams the Bruins will face this year. 

“Our goal this week Is really just to take one of the best teams we’ve ever played out of the playoffs,” he said. 

“We tell our players that ‘if you want to be somebody, you have to beat somebody’,” said Coach Savoie. “In other words, you have to beat somebody good and that summarizes Hilmar. They are the defending State Champions and are 9-1 on the season. Our team and staff are excited about this game.  We will lay it all on the line this Friday.”

Maronic had a clear goal for the game against Hilmar. 

“Goal for this week is to win,” said Maronic.  

Coach Savoie urged students to come and support the team at this week’s game, which was made easier by Leadership organizing a bus to take around 50 students down to the game. 

“Get on that Rooter Bus,” urged Savoie. “We want the BruiNation there- it makes a difference when you are there screaming and yelling. GO BRUINS!”

— Sonora Slater contributed to this report.