Bruins rush past Weston Ranch

LAKE OF THE PINES - During his record-breaking season, Kevin Grimes has scored many big touchdowns.The running back now has 38 trips to the end zone, but none were bigger than his last one on Friday night.Facing a third down-and-2 at his own 34-yard line with less than five minutes to go in the game, and Weston Ranch seemingly having the momentum, Grimes ran behind right guard Landon Savoie and right tackle Evan Jenson.The senior was hoping just to get a first down, but Grimes was able to keep his feet after stumbling initially, and raced 66 yards to the end zone.The touchdown proved decisive as Bear River defeated Weston Ranch of Stockton 37-15 in the first-round of the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III playoffs."We needed that one," said Savoie, who played only two plays on offense because of his injured left ankle, which he hurt against Rio Linda. "All the linemen just blocked the people in front of them. I looked up and he was stumbling and then he was gone. It was amazing."The victory pushes the Bruins (10-1) into the semifinals for the third consecutive season, where they will host another Valley Oak League team, Manteca (10-1), next Friday. The Buffaloes, the tri-champions of the VOL, defeated Capital Valley Conference champion Foothill, 42-13.Before Grimes' crucial run, Weston Ranch must have felt that it was on the verge of recording a win in the Stockton school's first playoff football game.Sam Wilson had a sensational run after catching a pass from Cougars quarterback Si Galano, which culminated in a 22-yard touchdown reception. And when Terijean Saffold caught the two-point conversion from Galano, Bear River's lead shrunk to 21-15.But Grimes' run was the back-breaker and from there the Bruins defense, which was solid all game, opened the flood gates.Marc Bristol recovered a botched snap in the end zone and then another botched snap led to a safety as Bear River ended with a flourish.The Bruins defense held Weston Ranch star running back Saffold to 83 yards. The senior came into the game with 1,683 and 16 touchdowns, but had only one big run of 55 yards and did not get into the end zone."I think we played really solid," Bear River co-head coach Terry Logue said. "We tackled better than last week and we stopped them twice deep in our own territory."Grimes led the defense with 12 tackles to go along with his 223 yards rushing and four touchdowns, scoring on runs of 22, 17, 34, and 66 yards. Savoie finished with 11 tackles. Bristol recovered two fumbles, Gary Schwartz recovered one, and C.J. Crausby had an interception, as did David Wheeler. Michael McGuire had another good game at linebacker with nine tackles.Weston Ranch finished the season with an 8-2 record and was led by Sam Wilson who had 66 yards receiving and two touchdowns.Game BreakerKevin GrimesThe senior running back scored on a 66-yard touchdown run with 4:26 left in the game to break open a close contest as the Bruins advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III semifinals for the third consecutive year with a 37-15 victory over Weston Ranch.Grimes had 223 yards and four touchdowns and also had 12 tackles on defense.