Unbeaten and No. 7 Elk Grove has stolen a lot of thunder from its rivals in the Delta Valley Conference, including No. 10 Franklin, a team that looked mighty impressive Saturday in beating Jesuit 35-6 in a nonleague game in Carmichael.

But Franklin coach Mike Johnson has no problem with that.

He and the Wildcats, he said, are learning a few things from a 5-0 Elk Grove team that has turned around its embattled program after going 8-13 the past two seasons.

"What Elk Grove is proving right now is if you run the ball, you win," Johnson said. " … That combination of a running game and defense, that's the deadliest combination there is."

So Johnson, known for his big-play spread offenses, was thrilled his Wildcats (3-1) rushed for a season-high 219 yards against the Marauders (2-2), dominating time of possession as eight backs carried the ball.

That was a big improvement over Franklin's 63 rushing yards in a 28-21 loss at home to Freedom of Oakley in its previous game two weeks ago, a tough-love learning experience for his junior-dominated team.

"Against Freedom, we were three-and-out, and our poor defense, their legs were tired … " Johnson said. "Normally, I'm a pass-happy coach. But you saw a whole different side to us today – a more controlled run game. And that helped our defense."

New starting quarterback Trent Spallas, a junior who has replaced senior Blake Owensby, played steadily as the Wildcats avoided turnovers. Spallas completed 13 of 21 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns, both to sophomore Joey Banks, who also ran for a score.

That left Franklin's eager defense, led by senior tackle Nathan Di Donato, waiting to tee off on Jesuit's offense, which was held to 33 rushing yards, 18 on a run by Cameron Todd on the game's last play.

Jesuit quarterback Tom Sperbeck completed 12 of 20 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown but was under relentless pressure.

Sperbeck hadn't started since Jesuit's 52-38 win over Rio Americano on Sept. 3 (mononucleosis). He was intercepted by Dionte Young in the Franklin end zone early in the third quarter and fumbled after Di Donato's ferocious blind-side hit in the fourth quarter.

"The Freedom game was a reality check for our team," Di Donato said. "It was huge today seeing my teammates have such passion for the game."

No. 18 Casa Roble 40, Rio Americano 20 in Sacramento – Frankie Patalano ran for two touchdowns and scored on a 52-yard pass from Mitch Samson, and Collin Cole rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns for the Rams (3-1) in their nonleague win over the Raiders (1-3).

Sacramento 22, Florin 16 in Oak Park – Jalen Angel-White had two interceptions, forced two fumbles, made two fumble recoveries and caught 11 passes for 125 yards and a touchdown as the Dragons (1-3, 1-0) beat the Panthers (0-4, 0-1) in a Metro Conference opener.

Josiah Johnson passed for 285 yards and threw a 26-yarder to Kiare Fuller for the late game winner. Fuller had a game-clinching interception.

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