The undefeated Hillmen will hit the road tonight to take on Patterson in a battle of unbeatens tonight in round two of the Sac Joaquin  Division III playoffs. Last week, the Hillmen (11-0) defeated River City in the opening round, piling up 487 yards on the ground, and coming up with some key defensive stops late in the game to secure a 55-41 victory. Owen Scott (309 yards, four touchdowns last week) will look to continue his torrid run which has seen him rack up 911 yards of offense and 13 touchdowns in the last three games. Fullback Jared Halbert who went over 1000 yards for the season last week with his 100 yard, four touchdown performance against River Valley has also been a key cog in the ground attack. Waylen Cozad who returned from injury with several bruising blocks and some nice runs, give the Hillmen a potent trio on the ground as they gear up for a playoff run. The offensive line which once again controlled the line of scrimmage against River Valley much like they have all year, will be key tonight against Patterson. One of the biggest keys for the Hillmen offensively will be protecting the football. Patterson (11-0) forced nine fumbles and recovered seven in their 73-42 victory over Yuba City. Defensively, Placer will look to build off of their strong second half performance last week, which included strong play up front by the defensive line and big plays from the linebackers and the secondary. They will be faced with the task of containing Patterson’s athletic backfield of Michael Lawson (709 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns, 492 yards receiving seven touchdowns), Jamal Broussard (794 yards, 8 touchdowns), and Alec Espos (407 yards rushing, four touchdowns, 407 yards receiving, five touchdowns). It figures to be an exciting night of football! Kickoff is set for 7 pm. If you can’t make it out to the game, tune in to KAHI 950 to hear all the action. Follow us on Twitter for live in-game scoring updates!

Odds and ends from 2015 playoffs

CIF Division III Playoff Bracket

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After capping off an undefeated regular season last Friday night against Colfax, the Hillmen (10-0) are primed and ready to begin their playoff run tonight in the opening round of the Division III playoffs against River Valley (8-2). The Hillmen with be getting several key starters back. Linebacker Brian Stangland who has been out since week three, running back Waylen Cozad, and center Jack Petty.  One of the biggest keys to the game will be the battle in the trenches. Placer has been dominant up front on both sides of the ball this season. Jacob Capra, Diego Lopez, Jack Petty, Logan Moore,  Tyler Mader, and Alex Houston will look to neutralize a strong River Valley front four on defense.  On defense, Michael Downen, Simeon Engle, Logan Crawford, Capra, and Lopez have consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks all year and will be looking to do the same against River City’s Avery Gould. Offensively, running backs Owen Scott and Jared Halbert will look to continue their recent run of success on the ground, and figure to get a boost with the return of Cozad, who was also having an impressive season prior to his injury. Tight end Derek Haney has also been impressive of late, and quarterback Marcus Ante has turned in solid performances in recent weeks. River City is led offensively by running backs Dante Love, Clarence Pierson, wide receiver JoJo Penn, and Gould. It promises to be an exciting night of football. Kickoff is set for 7 pm. Come out and support your Hillmen!  If you can’t make it out to the game, tune in to KAHI 950 to hear all the action. Follow us on Twitter for live in-game scoring updates!

CIF Division III Playoff Bracket

2015 Pioneer Valley League Standings

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Fresh off capturing their fourth straight PVL title, the Hillmen will look to cap off a perfect regular season tonight at home against arch rival Colfax. The Hillmen (9-0, 4-0) have been playing well on both sides of the ball since league play began, beating opponents by an average of 26 points per game. Defensively, Placer turned in perhaps it’s most dominating performance of the year last week, limiting an explosive Lincoln offense to to  seven points. All tolled, the starters have allowed just 41 points in four league games, by far the best total by a Hillmen defense since the last undefeated team in 2012. Offensively, Placer has been a well balanced machine, lighting up the scoreboard to the tune of 40 points a game so far in league. If Placer defeats Colfax. they will capture their second undefeated regular season in the past four seasons. Colfax (3-6, 1-3)  has had an up and down season, and is coming off a 56-33 defeat to Foothill, which eliminated them from playoff contention.  The Hillmen currently own a three game winning streak over the Falcons, and will be looking to continue to build momentum as they gear up for the playoffs. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm with the JV starting at 5:15.  If you can’t make it out to the game, tune in to KAHI 950 to hear all the action. Follow us on Twitter for live in-game scoring updates!

Max Preps Playoff Projections

2015 Hillmen Football Schedule

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Owen Scott had 300 yards of total offense and five touchdowns, and the defense shut down Lincoln’s potent offense as the Hillmen routed Lincoln 49-7 to clinch their fourth straight PVL title.  It took Scott just under three minutes into the first quarter to find the end zone, as he scampered  for a 16 yard touchdown run to kick off his big night. He then scored from 11 yards out near the end of the first quarter, and added a two-point conversion to put the Hillmen ahead to stay 14-7. Fullback Jared Halbert continued his impressive season, scoring on a 53 yard touchdown run to increase the lead to 21-7. Scott scored from one yard out for his third touchdown of the night.  Following a 53 yard touchdown pass to Derek Haney, Ante connected with Scott for an 82 yard touchdown pass to put Placer in front 42-7.  Scott scored on a 57 yard touchdown run early in the third quarter to close out the scoring. He finished with 204 yards rushing and 96 yards receiving. Defensively, the Hillmen held a Zebra offense that had been averaging 53 points per game in the PVL to just seven points. Placer forced four turnovers on the night. Taylor Levesque picked off Elijah Garcia twice, and Joe Robinson also added an interception. Chris Mcdonell forced a fumble, which was recovered by Michael Downen. The Hillmen starting defense has allowed just 41 points in four league games so far this season, tops in the PVL. The Hillmen will close out the regular season Friday at home against rival Colfax at 7:30pm. To read more about Friday’s PVL clinching victory, check out Ike Dobson’s story in the Auburn Journal. Also Friday night, the JV (7-2, 4-0) shut out Lincoln 19-0 to clinch a share of the PVL title. If they beat Colfax this Friday night, they will clinch their second straight outright PVL championship. The game will kick off at 5:15 pm. The Freshman routed Lincoln 48-12 to improve to keep their undefeated 9-0 record in tact. They will also face off against Colfax (8-1, 4-0) for the PVL championship Thursday at 5:30pm.

SHELLACKED! Scott, Placer defense key 49-7 blowout win over Lincoln

2015 Hillmen Football Schedule

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There is no place like home.  Following their long four game road trip, the Hillmen finally return home for the first time since September 18th to face Lincoln tonight, needing just one win to secure their fourth straight PVL title. The Hillmen (8-0, 3-0) are coming off arguably their most impressive victory of the season against Bear River, and will looking to continue to build momentum as they head towards the playoffs. Lincoln (5-3, 2-1)  is coming off a 69-62 defeat to Foothill. The Zebras offense has been carrying them all year, as they are averaging 53 points a game in PVL play. They are led by quarterback Elijah Garcia (20 touchdowns, 2066 yards),  running backs Elijah Cunningham (922 yards, 19 touchdowns), Ryan Graham (801 yards, 10 touchdowns), and wide receiver Caleb Kettlehut (1017 yards receiving, 15 touchdowns). However,  they will be facing their toughest challenge of the season in the Hillmen defense. In three league games so far this season, the defensive starters have allowed just 33 points. Anchored by a strong defensive line of Michael Downen (8.5 sacks, 69 tackles, 11 tackles for loss), Logan Crawford (5.5 sacks, 59 tackles, six tackles for loss) Simeon Engle ( four sacks, 45 tackles, three tackles for loss), and Jacob Capra and Diego Lopez who have split time at the other tackle spot, the starting defense has given up the the fewest points during league.  The Linebacking corp of Dallan Trentman, Taylor Levesque, and Derek Haney has also been solid for Placer. Senior Brian Stangland who has been out since the second game of the season, is eyeing a return in week one of the playoffs, which will provide a huge boost defensively. Ryan Huston and Anthony Pierce have been stellar all season long in the secondary, and Joe Robinson and Chris Mcdonell have been playing well of late as well. Offensively, the Hillmen have been racking up 37 points per game in the PVL, thanks to a well balanced attack. The offensive line has been dominant up front this season has opened up holes for the running game, which has been particularly strong of late. Led by Jared Halbert (717 yards, 10 touchdowns), Waylen Cozad (623 yards and seven touchdowns), and Owen Scott (491 yards, seven touchdowns). The Hillmen will be without Cozad for a few weeks as he recovers from a knee injury, but he should return for the first game of the playoffs. In his place, Mikey Ferreria and Mcdonell will look to fill the void. Derek Haney, Robinson, and Xavier Lovelace, have made key plays in the passing game in recent weeks for the Hillmen. Quarterback Marcus Ante (14 touchdowns, 1085 yards) has been solid all season long, and will look to exploit a Lincoln defense which has allowed 125 points in the last three games. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm with the JV starting at 5:15. Tune in to KAHI 950 to hear all the action. Follow us on Twitter for live in-game scoring updates!

“PLAYOFFS?” A look at the looming Sac-Joaquin Section football postseason

2015 Hillmen Football Schedule

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Owen Scott and Derek Haney scored fourth quarter touchdowns, and Mikey Ferreria caused a fumble on a kickoff return, as the Hillmen (8-0) came through with big plays in the clutch to defeat Bear River 26-14 in a PVL showdown. Trailing 14-13 midway through the fourth quarter, fullback Jared Halbert (156 yards rushing) and Owen Scott (74 yards rushing, two touchdowns), went to work on the ground, shredding the Bruin defense with several huge runs, to set up Scott’s one yard touchdown run with three and a half minutes left to put Placer ahead for good 19-14. Following the go ahead score, Ferreria stripped the ball from Dave Mastrella and Ryan Huston recovered it, and Derek Haney delivered an 11 yard touchdown run to put the game away. The defense also came up huge Friday night for the Hillmen, including key sacks on the final drive by Logan Crawford and Micheal Downen. Ryan Huston, Joe Robinson, and Anthony Pierce had strong games in the secondary as well. With the victory, the Hillmen are now just one win away from capturing their fourth PVL title. To read more about Friday’s thrilling victory, check out Ike Dobson’s article in the Auburn Journal! Also Friday, Mario Perez scored the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter and Jonny Callahan intercepted a pass to secure a 25-22 victory to improve to 6-2 overall, and 3-0 in the PVL. On Thursday night, the freshman defeated Bear River 41-6 to move to 8-0 on the year. Michael Stuck threw a touchdown pass to Christian Evensen, and the Hillmen scored five touchdowns on the ground (Jorge Maldonado 2,  Makell Jones (2), and Marshall Chapman). The Hillmen will return home for the first time in six weeks to take on Lincoln Friday night at 7:30pm. The JV game will start at 5:15pm. The Freshman game will be held Thursday at 5:15pm.

KINGS OF THE FOURTH: Placer Football topples Bear River in the final quarter

2015 Hillmen Football Schedule

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2015 Hillmen Stats

The game that both schools have been anticipating all season is finally here. In a battle of unbeatens, the Hillmen (7-0) and Bear River Bruins (7-0) will take the field tonight with the inside track to the PVL title on the line. Both teams boast strong lines on both sides of the ball, so one of the biggest keys to the game will be the battle in the trenches. The Hillmen offensive line of Jacob Capra, Diego Lopez, Logan Moore, Tyler Mader, and Alex Houston, Jack Petty, and Seth Horton have been phenomenal all season. This group will face perhaps one of their stiffest challenges of the season, but are more than ready for the challenge.  Defensively, Bear River has been strong all season, allowing just under 11 points per game in PVL play. Gunnar Simpson leads the unit with eight sacks, 47 tackles, and six tackles for a loss. Connor Hollister, and Dave Mastrella are also having strong seasons for the Bruins.  The Bear River defense will faced with the task of trying to slow down a potent Hillmen offense which as averaged 42.5 points per game in the PVL. Owen Scott (1067 total yards, 12 touchdowns) Waylen Cozad (591 yards rushing, six touchdowns), and Jared Halbert (561 yards, 10 touchdowns),  have led a potent rushing attack. Derek Haney (210 yards, three touchdowns), and Joe Robinson (150 yards, two touchdowns), have had solid games receiving in recent weeks as well. Defensively, the Hillmen have only allowed one offensive touchdown to Bear River in three years, and will be looking to continue that trend. The defensive front of Michael Downen (59 tackles, eight sacks, 10 TFL), Logan Crawford (52 tackles, 4.5 sacks, six TFL), Simeon Engle (38 tackles, three sacks, two TFL), and Diego Lopez and Capra who have rotated in with each other have been lights out so far this season. Dallan Trentman (44 tackles, two TFL), Taylor Levesque (38 tackles, 2 TFL), and Derek Haney (28 tackles, 2 TFL) have been solid at the linebacker position. Ryan Huston, who leads the team with five interceptions,  Cozad, Anthony Pierce, and Robinson have led the way in the secondary. This group will look to shut down WR Ben O’lena (397 yards, four touchdowns), Mostrella (151 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns), and running back Austin Baze (eight touchdowns).  It promises to be an exciting night of action! if you can’t make it, tune in to KAHI 950 to hear all the action. Follow us on Twitter for live in-game scoring updates! The JV game will begin at 5:15pm. Check out Mike Ray’s article on tonight’s showdown in the Auburn Journal!

WHO WILL FALL?: Placer, Bear River prepare for epic PVL showdown

2015 Hillmen Football Schedule

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Jared Halbert rushed for 173 yards and three touchdowns, Owen Scott added had 112 yards rushing and one touchdown, and Mikey Ferreria added 63 yards and a touchdown of his own as the Hillmen rushed for 479 yards, defeating Foothill 52-26 ahead of next week’s showdown with Bear River. Ferreria, stepping in Waylen Cozad, started the scoring with a short touchdown run to put the Hillmen out in front 7-0. After a defensive stop, quarterback Marcus Ante hit tight end Derek Haney for a 46 yard touchdown to put the Hillmen out in front 14-0. Halbert then plunged into the end zone from one yard out for his first touchdown of the night to give Placer a 21-12 lead.  Scott scampered 26 yards into the end zone a little over a minute later, and Halbert added two more short touchdown runs to give the Hillmen (7-0) a comfortable 42-12 lead before the starters came out. The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage all night long, opening up huge holes for the running backs. Defensively, Ryan Huston intercepted his fifth pass of the season and had a pass defended. Michael Downen and Logan Crawford each had a half a sack, and Simeon Engle played well, recording five tackles. Downen now has a team high 8 sacks on the year and Crawford is second with 4.5. Taylor Levesque and Andrew Smith led the linebackers with six tackles each, and Dallan Trentman added a tackle for a loss.  To read more about Friday’s victory check out Ike Dobson’s article in the Auburn Journal! Also on Friday, The JV (5-2, 2-0), coasted to a 41-14 victory over Foothill, and the Freshman (7-0), beat Mesa Verde 69-0 on Thursday. The Hillmen will travel to Lake of the Pines Friday night for the much anticipated PVL showdown with fellow unbeaten Bear River. Kickoff will be at 7:30 pm. The JV game starts at 5:15pm, and the Freshman will take on Bear River Thursday night.

Placer Hillmen roll to 7-0 after 52-26 win over Foothill

2015 Hillmen Football Schedule

2015 Pioneer Valley League Standings

2015 Hillmen Stats

Waylen Cozad had quite the first half Friday night, rushing for 198 yards, two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown, and the defense turned in a strong performance to lead the Hillmen (5-0, 1-0) past Center (4-2, 0-1), 33-7 in their Pioneer Valley League opener. Marcus Ante hit Cozad for a 10 yard touchdown pass on the second drive of the game to put the Hillmen on the board. Following Jared Halbert’s one-yard touchdown run, Cozad broke loose for a 93 yard touchdown run, and later scored from 13 yards out. Owen Scott returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown to close out the scoring. The Hillmen first string defense, which played only one half, stifled the Cougars, limiting them to just over 100 yards of total offense. The Hillmen were dominant once again up front, with Logan Crawford, Michael Downen, Jacob Capra, Diego Lopez, and Simeon Engle, all turning in solid performances. Ryan Huston added an interception, his fourth of the season, and Dallan Trentman, Taylor Levesque, and Derek Haney all turned in solid performances as well.  To read more about Friday’s victory check out Ike Dobson’s article in the Auburn Journal! Also on Friday, the JV defeated Center 41-6 behind four touchdowns from Jonny Callahan, three through the air and one on the ground, to improve to (4-2, 1-0) on the season. Callahan threw two touchdowns to Travis Warren and one to Dylan Bridges. Fullback Mario Perez also had two rushing touchdowns for the Hillmen. On Thursday night, the freshman (6-0, 1-0) beat Marysville 41-6 to remain undefeated. Michael Stuck threw three touchdown passes, two to Jorge Maldonado, and one to Christian Evensen. The Varsity and JV will travel to Foothill to take on the Mustangs Friday night. Kickoff for the Varsity is at 7:30pm, and the JV game starts at 5:15pm. The freshman will face off against Mesa Verde at San Juan high school Thursday night.

Winnin’ with Waylen: Placer rolls over Center with 367 rushing yards

2015 Hillmen Football Schedule

2015 Pioneer Valley League Standings

2015 Hillmen Stats