In a thrilling “Battle of the Bone” Friday night at the Wayne Schneider Stadium, the Tracy High Bulldogs fell just short to the Turlock High Bulldogs with a final score of 24-19. Despite a strong push in the final quarter, Tracy’s comeback was not enough against Turlock’s defense which held firm in the final minutes.
Tracy High Head Coach, Jeff Pribble, highlighted his team’s unity as their greatest trait.
“I think my team’s biggest strength is their togetherness,” Pribble said. “We teach big team, little me, and never quit on each other. That’s what you saw in the second half.”
Pribble emphasized the game’s importance on his young team.
“This game right here is a bunch of young kids against a great football team, and we came back and got ourselves a chance to win,” Pribble explained. “They can carry that on for the next eight weeks.”
The game began with Turlock gaining an early lead. A safety and touchdown put them up 10-0 by the end of the first quarter. They extended their lead with a 40-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter, making it 17-0.
The third quarter saw no scoring, but Turlock added another touchdown early in the fourth to lead 24-0. Tracy made a strong surge in the final quarter with a 39-yard touchdown pass from Juan Godoy to Jager Lea with eight minutes left in the game. The Bulldogs scored again quickly, with a 3-yard run from Elijah Guiterrez.
The stadium erupted as two successful onside kicks by Guiterrez, and a touchdown pass from Godoy to Guiterrez brought the score to 24-19. Although the final drive was stopped by Turlock’s defense, that stadium remained lively, with Tracy fans cheering and the neon-themed student section kept the energy high.
Tracy’s Running back Guiterrez, who played a pivotal role in the comeback, shared his approach to handling high-pressure situations.
“I just thank God for everything,” Guiterrez expressed, with sweat rolling down his face. “I leave it up to him. When the moment’s too big, I try to release and give it to him.”
Dillon Posten, Tracy’s defensive back, shared his motivation came from his teammates.
“In a tough game like this, I am most motivated by the energy my coaches and my teammates bring,” Posten added. “I think our coaches always do the best job preparing us, it’s just about us executing and having fun on the field.”
Despite the narrow defeat, the Tracy High Bulldogs demonstrated their unwavering spirit and determination, making a strong push that captivated their fans. As the team moves forward, Tracy High can take pride in their performance and the enthusiastic support of their community.
With each game, the team continue to build on their strengths and learn from their challenges, setting the stage for a promising season ahead. They face the Mountain House Mustangs, Sept. 6.
