San Quentin’s Veteran’s Day football game featured dominating offense and precision defense by the All-In team, leading to its 24-22 victory over The Grizzlies in the final seconds.
The game took off fast with a 40-yard pass from All-In quarterback “Pookie” Sylvester to wide receiver Navion “Smoove” Starks. Sylvester threw a touchdown pass to “Y.G.” Hatcher on fourth and goal for the first score. All-In missed a field goal try, making the score 6-0 in the first quarter.
Grizzlies’ head coach/quarterback, “L.S.” Tillman hit receiver Rigmaden for a tying score.
“Our intention is to press the offense hard and often. We’ll take what the defense gives us but we’re going to take shots when opportunities present itself,” said Carlos Smith, All-In head coach.
The opportunities came often as the Grizzlies were outmatched this sunny, chilly morning.
“We will keep executing these looks, searching for the open man to get the ball in the end-zone,” Sylvester said.
Tillman threw quick releases and marched his team down the field. But early in the game several misreads led to turnovers and missed opportunities to convert good field position for the opposite team.
Grizzlies wide receiver Meadors revealed the team’s strategy: “We’re going to take our time and use the clock to our advantage while moving the ball. We really need to play hard on defense.”
Rigmaden had an interception from backup quarterback Williams that was returned for a touchdown, which brought the score closer late in the game. However, it was not enough as team All-In learned from its mistakes and capitalized.
However, All-In was penalized five yards for a false start, with Sylvester throwing a touchdown to wide receiver Jeter with an underhanded pass from 10 yards out on fourth down.
The Grizzlies tried to march back late in the game with a bomb from their QB to receiver Murdock for the score, making it 24-22. But team All-In’s defense prevented any further advance, defending their lead.
Coach Smith stated after the game, “We overcame our own mental roadblocks. We had a bend but don’t break defense and it paid off in the end.”
