Brian S. Arrington
Editor-In-Chief
Carson, CA – A victory for the Redlands East Valley Wildcats’ (15-1, 7-0) football team, that almost wasn’t. The first San Bernardino County team in history to win a CIF State Football Championship Bowl that nearly didn’t happen.
At StubHub Center, during the 2014 CIF Division Two State Football Championship Bowl Games presented by Farmers, a game between REV and Clayton Valley Ugly Eagles, that went back and forth, with one team scoring, only to be match by the other. It wasn’t until the third quarter of the game that REV would claim its first lead, 28-21, with Senior Running back Taimon Faimalo scoring on a 5 yard run.
Additional Wildcats putting points on the board included, Oregon commit Malik Lovette whom finished with 184 all-purpose yards, 30 yards rushing, and 154 yards receiving. Wide receiver Khris Vaughn would score REV’s final touchdown on a 19 yard pass from Quarterback Armondo Herrera, bringing the score to 34-27.
Going into the fourth quarter, Clayton Valley would respond, as Nate Keisel would score on a 17 yard touchdown run. One of the most critical plays of the night would be delivered by REV Sophomore linebacker, Jaelan Phillips. As he would block Clayton Valley’s Daniel Ferrell extra point attempt, to preserve a 34-33 lead.
The joy of the extra point block would be short lived, as Clayton Valley’s Marshawn Davenport would recover a fumble of the following kickoff. With 7:31 left in the fourth quarter, Clayton Valley would drive the ball down to REV’s eight yard line, consuming 3:19 of clock. It was at that moment Phillips would deliver another game saving play.
After a botched hand off exchange between, Clayton Valley’s Keisel and running back Miles Harrison that produced a fumble, Phillips would recover the ball. Allowing REV to run out the clock and secure the victory.
“I’d rather be lucky than good any day of the week,” said REV’s Coach Kurt Bruich. “And we got lucky, what do they say, luck is when hard work, meets preparation. We were prepared tonight.”
But looking back, just getting to this point, was no luck for this REV team—whom played their first season in the Inland division after realignment. Playoff wins prior to this point for the Wildcats included defeating JW North, Elsinore, Citrus Hill, Riverside Poly, and Ridgeview in the CIF State Regional Bowl.
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