November 8th 2024.
The football team at Willow Glen High School is not known for their flashy plays. They don't rely on explosive plays to win games. Every now and then, they may surprise their opponents with a big play, but that's not their style. The Rams are a team that will keep pounding the line of scrimmage, both on offense and defense, until they come out on top. And this season, that formula has worked for them as they have won every single game they've played.
Their undefeated regular season came to an impressive end with a 23-0 win over Leland on Thursday night in San Jose. It was a historic moment for the team, as it was their first perfect regular season in the MaxPreps era and believed to be their first since 1966. The players, led by coach Oscar Caballero, celebrated their achievement with joy and emotion.
"We talked about it before the game and at halftime," Coach Caballero said. "We're not a perfect team, but we're imperfectly perfect. We were meant to be together and this season has been special because of our players, families, and community. Their dedication and commitment to the sport is what makes this team special."
But their success was not handed to them on a silver platter. They still had to go out and beat Leland, and they did so with their signature methodical style. On the first play of the second quarter, Chris Amann scored a 3-yard touchdown after a 12-play drive. Later in the game, the Rams forced a fumble and recovered it on a hook-and-ladder play by Leland. With their next drive, they wasted no time and went for a deep shot down the right sideline, resulting in a 53-yard touchdown by Gavin Ferraro, giving them a comfortable lead before halftime.
"The energy and dedication of our team is what sets us apart," said quarterback Aiden Akery, who has been a key player for the Rams all season. "We all want it more than the other team and we push each other to be better. Our goal is perfection."
The Rams continued to dominate in the second half, stretching their lead with a 37-yard field goal by Aydin Babic and a perfectly executed onside kick that they recovered. They sealed their victory with a fourth-down, 35-yard touchdown pass from Akery to Amann.
"Our aggressive play was what led us to victory tonight," Coach Caballero said. "We played with that same energy and determination in all three phases of the game."
Akery's contribution to the team cannot be understated. As a first-year starter, he has consistently led the team in both passing and rushing yards, proving to be a crucial player for the Rams. "Everything he's done this year has been exactly what we needed," Coach Caballero praised. "He has been a key player for us and we couldn't have gone undefeated without him."
Despite the loss, Leland's coach Kelly King Jr. reminded his players of the bigger picture - they still have the opportunity to compete in the CCS playoffs next week. "They deserve a lot of credit," he said of Willow Glen. "They came out and played better than us tonight. We'll regroup and focus on the playoffs."
Both teams will continue their journey towards a CCS championship, but for Willow Glen, this victory also meant winning the Blossom Valley Athletic League Santa Teresa - Valley Division outright. For Coach Caballero, this win held a special significance as it marked his return to the team after serving a suspension for a sideline incident last season.
"We took it one game at a time," he said. "But I never would've thought that we would end the regular season like this. It's a rewarding feeling. Our program is resilient, and it's great to see our players overcome adversity. I hope I was a model for them."
The Rams' quarterback Akery echoed his coach's sentiments. "We've faced challenges, but we've stayed focused and worked hard," he said. "This season has been a journey, and we're excited to see where it takes us."
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