The Yellowjackets made early mistakes against a determined team and were stunned in the first round of the Division IV playoffs in Escalon, failing to make the kind of run that made them into the Division V champions in 2008. For the second time this season, Hilmar had backup quarterback Andrew Olson as the starter; he was Quinton McCown’s replacement after the senior broke his collarbone a few weeks ago.
Olson earned valuable experience after going 9-for-27 for two interceptions and rushed 19 times for 103 yards, including a 1-yard score. He threw a pick in the first quarter, as the Cougars took control early on. Escalon finished with 274 yards on the ground, with sophomore Josh Miguel taking most of the carries to produce 116 yards on 10 rushes. Miguel had a 34-yard TD run in the third quarter that put the lead at 28-7.
After Carlos Diaz scored from three yards out to cap off a 76-yard drive, the Yellowjackets cut the lead to 14-7 in the second quarter. But Escalon quickly responded, and eventually knocked Hilmar from the playoffs.