Goal-line stand propels Bear River past Golden Sierra

A goal-line stand in the closing seconds sealed Bear River's 19-12 homecoming victory over Golden Sierra on Friday night in Lake of the Pines. The Bruins were lifted by the legs of quarterback Jaden Brock, who powered the offense with 96 yards rushing and three touchdowns, including a 50-yard dash with 2:16 left in the fourth quarter that provided breathing room. Golden Sierra, however, drove inside the 5-yard line in the final minute. Bear River buckled down and forced a fumble at the 1 to stun the visiting Grizzlies. "It's another case of bend but don't break," said Bear River coach Jeremy Kerr. "They were moving the ball well, but our guys really pushed back. We loaded up the box and pushed them back, and they weren't calling the whistle and one of my guys hit the ball out of his hands and jumped on it. That was the end of the game right there. We were sweating bullets." Kerr praised the Bruins for their defensive effort, noting it has been the backbone of the last two wins. He also gave his flowers to Brock for carrying the load offensively. "He got us a couple of key first downs when we really needed them. Whenever we were having a tough time, he just kind of carried us on his back and really gave us what we needed," said Kerr. "He just really stepped up and everybody else blocked for him. The whole team did a great job. But man, it was when the call came, Jayden just took it and ran with it." The victory improved Bear River to 3-1 heading into Pioneer Valley League play. Kerr credited the team's preseason schedule against Lindhurst, Truckee and Union Mine for preparing the Bruins for tight contests. "Playing Truckee and some of these big schools showed us we belong on the field with anyone," Kerr said. "These tough preseason games teach our kids how to deal with pressure so when we get into league, we don't panic." Bear River now turns its attention to defending PVL-champion Wheatland (3-1), which beat the Bruins handily a year ago. Kerr said the league slate will be a grind. Said Kerr, "This league doesn't stop. Every game's going to be a dogfight."