CERES — Sierra tallied another thrilling win over Central Valley, this time holding off the Hawks on the final play of the game to escape, 20-14.
Central Valley (1-1) had a chance to still the victory in the end after converting on a fourth-and-2 play with about 25 seconds remaining. The Hawks wound up on the 2-yard line with 10 seconds to go, but Sierra defensive back Larenz Redd shut the door with an interception in the end zone.
Last year, Sierra mounted an improbable comeback for a 28-26 win against Central Valley, which went on to finish with a program-best 11-2 record.
The Timberwolves (1-1) relied on big plays to get their points in the rematch. Daemon Duran ended with 168 yards on 10 carries, scoring on 74- and 54-yard runs in the first half. His second touchdown was set up by a successful fake punt and gave Sierra a 14-6 lead with 2:47 left in the second quarter.
Central Valley tied it back up with a two-point conversion after Miguel Jimenez hit James Murphy for a 33-yard touchdown in the final period.
The Sierra defense then came up big with a fourth-down stop, giving quarterback Nick Stanley the opportunity to hook up with David Reyes for the go-ahead 60-yard touchdown pass with 1:49 remaining.
Sierra hits the road again next week when it takes on Pacheco in Los Banos.