Granite Bay shook up the Northern California Premier Varsity league yet again as the Grizzlies shocked the Solo Falcons 64-7 Saturday.

Solo had entered the game undefeated, having beaten, Danville, among others, to get to that points.

But in a much-anticipated clash at Bonney Field in Sacramento, Granite Bay slammed the Falcons 64-7.

“We came out ready to play, that's for sure,” said Granite Bay Coach Jason Divine, who said his team was full strength for the first time all year. “[We have] players returning from injuries. Also our new football players have learned quickly and are now a factor.” 

Granite Bay in green, Solo in red. Photos Dan Bandoni.

Justin Oles was a tough one to stop and Sam Cusano and Andrew Smith had crucial moments on attack and defense. In the forwards, prop Roddy Hamilton led as captain in a strong performance by the pack as a whole.

Oles at center scored the first try and that was followed up with increasingly longer runs from Cusano at fullback, and Smiuth at center. When Cusano peeled off a second try from 80 meters, it became clear that Solo’s cover defense was struggling to match Granite Bay’s page.

The half ended when scrumhalf Jon Rogers snaked in to make it 29-0.

In the second half, Oles scored his second before the Falcons finally got on the board. Then Flyhalf Desi Streater and wing Andrew Turner went over before Oles got his third, and then prop Jack Haney rumbled over. Rogers and Streater combined to kick seven of the ten conversions.

“Solo is a good team with talented players; it just wasn't their day,” said Divine. “They have a lot of good guys. I’ve seen them play some great rugby, so I know they will work harder now. I wouldn't take them lightly.”

Granite Bay in Green, Solo in red. Photos by Dan Bandoni.

Smith was brilliant for the Grizzlies and combined nicely with Oles to punish the Solo defense. Smith distributed nicely, and set up Cusano after a long run, and his defense was good. Cusano has blossomed as an attacking force, and has improved his kicking game and distribution to his support.

And Oles has been a terror all season.

Meanwhile, Jesuit beat Mother Lode 64-13 also at Bonney Field.

Jesuit was led by wing Jonathon Amadi and fullback Brian Betts, a soccer convert. The pair scored five tries in total and created several other opportunities. The Marauders moved the ball across the field with skill and composure, especially on turnover ball.  Captain and Back of the Match, Christian Dyer, helped flyhalf Conrad Hawkins, earning his first start for the varsity side, pull the strings and keep Mother Lode off balance. Flanker Luke Thayer, named Forward of the match, was deadly with the boot – converting six tries and hitting a penalty.  Forwards Conner Bellinger, Michael Chappelle and Michael MacKay helped set an attacking platform while flankers Willie Nelson and Sam Collins were defensive stalwarts. 

“Danville was a real wakeup call for our team, but we regrouped this week and had a great week of practice,” said Head Coach John Shorey, referring to his team’s 35-33 loss to Danville last week. “We made a few adjustments, moved a few players around and saw every player who enter the game make a solid contribution.”

Jesuit in yellow, Mother Lode in white. Dan Bandoni photos.

Granite Bay moves into 1st place, but the Grizzlies have finished their league season and will be caught by the winner of next week’s Jesuit v Solo game. Danville, meanwhile, had a non-league game this week and will finish up against Archbishop Riordan. Danville, then, will likely finish 1st, with Jesuit or Solo 2nd, and Granite Bay 3rd. The loser of Jesuit v Solo will likely be 4th. But, they all get to play each other again as the top four will play in the playoffs in April.