Old-school rivals: McClatchy beats Kennedy in Metro Conference matchup

In a Sacramento City Unified School District rivalry series that dates back to 1967, the McClatchy Lions defeated the Kennedy Cougars 29-6 on Friday night in Greenhaven.

The Lions are off to their best start in years, now standing at 5-2 overall and 1-1 in the Metropolitan Conference after the coldest game night of the season, though McClatchy running backs Hector Espinoza and Xavier Esquivel burned Kennedy with big gains or big stops. Espinosa rushed for 193 yards and two touchdowns; Esquivel ran for 70 yards and two scores and also had three interceptions on defense.

McClatchy first-year coach Zach Cuda said he is optimistic that the Lions will keep winning. He has said all season that the Lions are a sleeping giant. They just needed a jumpstart.

“I am really proud of the guys,” the coach said. “We were down several guys, some pretty key guys. Had a lot of young guys step up and do a great job. Fortunate to get the win tonight.”

Esquiel’s first interception led to Espinosa’s 15-yard touchdown for the game’s first points. Esquivel said he likes his role on defense.

“I’m a defensive player. I like to hit,” Esquivel said. “All credit to the O-line and D-line. They are the heart of the team.”

Esquivel added that the sport gives him more than just wins and losses.

“Football is a very big part of my life,” he said. “I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to play this game every year.”

Kennedy fell to 2-5 overall and 0-2 in the Metro. Kennedy coach Brian Lewis said this felt like a rivalry game, including players hurting for not being able to do more to help their team. It’s all part of the learning process, the coach said.

What adds to the series is that the programs are not bitter rivals. The game was scheduled to be played at Hughes Stadium at Sacramento City College but logistics and timing made for a challenge with only a limited number of fans allowed for district programs due to lingering COVID concerns. Kennedy offered up its home field, just as it had earlier this season for the Lions.

“It is always a battle when we play McClatchy,” Lewis said. “The records never matter. We can both be undefeated, or both never won a game, and it is going to be a battle. A lot of our guys are new. Some of the guys are in tears after the game, saying they did not make enough plays for me.”

McClatchy plays Laguna Creek next week at Cosumnes River College and Kennedy hosts Monterey Trail.