Nevada Union's defense shown in white jerseys converge on a Franklin runner in action from Saturday's freshman football action at Cosumnes Oaks High. The Miners pulled out a 20-14 win to improve to 7-0 on the season.
Oct. 26, 2009
Frosh Miners Top Franklin; Now 7-0
A tough Saturday afternoon road game went Nevada Union's way as the Miners improved to 7-0 with a 20-14 Delta Valley League decision over Franklin of Elk Grove.
Playing at Cosumnes Oaks High, Nevada Union built a two touchdown lead and then survived a pair of turnovers to pull out the hard-earned victory.
The Miners scored on their opening drive when quarterback Kyle Cota connected with Stone Sander on a 13-yard touchdown pass. Mike Buonarati booted the extra point to make the score, 7-0.
In the second quarter, NU upped the count to 14-0 when Hank Humphers scored on a draw play from 25 yards away. Buonarati again added the PAT.
Franklin then got on the scoreboard when they converted a long drive and after the point after failed NU was still ahead, 14-6.
The Miners then lost a golden opportunity on its final drive of the first half when they lost a fumble into the end zone just before intermission.
The hosts then connected on a 60-yard touchdown pass in the middle of the third quarter and tied the game at 14-all with a successful two-point conversion play.
The Miners finally took the lead for good, however, when Tanner Vallejo bulled in from 5-yards out to make the score 20-14 in the fourth quarter.
Franklin had one final opportunity to try and pull out the win but the NU defense knocked down a pass on fourth down in the end zone with 25 seconds left.
NU was led on offense by Vallejo who finished with 85 yards on 18 carries and Humphers who carried the ball 15 times for 75 yards.
Through the air, Cota completed 5-of-9 passes with a touchdown.
Leading the NU defensive efforts were Vallejo, Humphers, Ian Davis, Miguel Espinosa, Cameron Townsend, Jared Cook, Nathan Dickinson, and Tyler Fernandez.
NU will play a non-league game Thursday when it entertains Christian Brothers at Hooper Stadium starting at 6 p.m. Thursday.