With five seconds remaining in the game, Pacific Grove’s offense was set up at Monte Vista Christian’s 10-yard line with a chance to punch in the game-tying score.
But that stingy Mustang defense stopped the Breakers on the final play of the game for a 14-7 victory in nonleague action Thursday night.
With the win, MVC improved to a 3-0 overall record this season. Pacific Grove dropped to 1-2, having lost two straight since winning the “Shoe Game” against Carmel in the teams’ season opener Aug. 28.
It’s the first time since 2023 that the Mustangs have won three consecutive to begin the fall campaign.
The Breakers got things started when the special teams unit blocked a punt that set them up in great field position.
They capitalized on the mistake as quarterback Charlie Edmonds connected with Floyd Smith for an 11-yard touchdown reception, putting them ahead at 7-0 going into halftime.
Midway through the third quarter, MVC senior quarterback Evan Vessey found junior wide receiver Zach Moran for a 3-yard TD that tied the contest at 7-all.
Moments later, MVC’s special teams unit came through with a blocked punt off PG’s personal protector.
Senior utility player Jordan Ramirez put the Mustangs ahead at 14-7 after he broke free for a 17-yard rushing touchdown.
Ramirez finished with 57 yards rushing and the one score on 10 carries, along with 70 yards receiving on four receptions.
Teammate Bryson Boles had a team-best six receptions for 78 yards, while Vessey completed 18 of 27 pass attempts for 214 yards with one touchdown and one interceptions.
On defense, Moran recorded one interception and tallied six tackles. Junior linebacker Reece Walker was once again a huge impact with a team-best 11 tackles, followed by Brandon Hagen with nine tackles and Parker Brown with seven.
Next up, MVC (3-0) plays at Alvarez (1-2) in nonleague play Sept. 17 at 7:30pm.
St. Francis 32, at Alvarez 26 (2 OT): The Sharks erupted for 25 points in the second half to defeat the Eagles in double overtime in nonleague action Thursday night.
Isaac Rivera accounted for all four touchdowns for Alvarez, which dropped to 1-2 this season.
St. Francis rallied back to tie the score at 20-all to force the first overtime period, and then scored twice to earn its first win in the early fall campaign.
Next up, St. Francis (1-2) plays at Soledad (0-2) in nonleague play Sept. 18 at 7:30pm.
Editor’s note: Check back later for an updated version with quotes and more highlights.
