Rocklin beats SFL rival Del Oro in rematch and seeks first section championship since 2009

The Rocklin Thunder shut down Del Oro’s high-flying offense with a 35-8 victory on Friday night in a battle of Placer County rivals to advance to the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section D-II championship game on Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Hughes Stadium.

The Thunder (11-1) didn’t allow Golden Eagles star quarterback Caden Pinnick anywhere near the end zone and dominated a game that saw Rocklin lead just 7-0 at the half.

Rocklin’s defensive unit is led led by linemen John Correa, Spencer Patton and Koen Bell and linebacker Derek Keeley. The Thunder shut out Del Oro through three and a half quarters. That’s no small feat against an offense that averaged 34 points coming in, thanks in large part to the skills and drive of Pinnick, the two-time Sierra Foothill League Player of the Year.

Heavy rain throughout the game didn’t stop both school’s supporters from showing up as the stands were completely packed in at Rocklin in what felt like an SFL contest. Thunder coach Jason Adams, the program’s longtime defensive coordinator, was fired up after the game, per his norm, in victory.

“It was a tremendous win,” Adams said. “What the scout team did in practice to get us prepared for tonight totally set us up. Our defense played well tonight because of that practice, and watching film, and working hard. That’s how we shut down that offense, who’ve been tremendous all year.”

Adams was running around, pumping his team up pregame to get the Thunder set for what was a heated matchup from the start. The schools sit only six miles apart and have been rivals since Rocklin opened in 1992. The programs have played for SFL championships and section banners.

Rocklin opened the scoring on its first drive with an 11-yard pass from sophomore quarterback Reeve Slone to junior receiver Mavrik Collins. Slone tossed another touchdown to start the second half, connecting with senior Nate Martin for another 11-yard play. Senior running back Roman Andrews then had a 6-yard run to make it 21-0.

After getting an interception in the end zone to close the first half, junior two-way star Keeley opened the fourth quarter with a 53-yard touchdown run. Junior back Rafi Merino closed the Thunder scoring with a late 1-yard touchdown rush.

Keeley only started playing on offense this year after gaining 15 pounds to be able to go both ways. He transferred over from the Whitney junior program in middle school. He has plenty of confidence in his team’s ability to win the section title.

“All we need to do is execute,” Keeley said. “If we just continue to work hard in practice, we definitely can win the championship. We just need to stay focused now. This defense that we have is really good.”

Seeded second, Rocklin will take on top-seeded St. Mary’s of Stockton (11-1) to cap the section championship weekend in a meeting of a stout defense against another prolific offense.

Even in all the excitement, including players diving around and cheering on the wet turf, Adams warned his team to focus on the section title game. Rocklin seeks its first banner since 2009. Keeley gave Adams credit for the win. Adams makes a point to shake everybody’s hands on his sideline before the game.

“He’s the best coach in the biz,” Keeley said. “He’s just dedicated, truthful and puts us in a position to win. I love playing for coach Adams.”

Star defensive end Correa, who got a sack Friday, also heaped praise on Adams.

“He just brings the energy,” Correa said. “In the locker room before the game, he was diving around, getting us pumped up for the win. He just brings the energy the entire game, and I think that’s a huge part in why we stay so energized throughout the game.”

After celebrating with his team, Adams ran over to a group of guys to laugh and have a good time. That group was the Washington High School of Fremont class of 1988. Adams’ prep teammates made the trek from the Bay Area to watch their old friend.

“These guys are awesome,” Adams said. “This is what high school football does to a group of guys. It brings you together for life. It’s so awesome to have all of them here. It really shows why having a close team is super important.”

Adams wants his Rocklin team to continue to be a close group, just like his high school team was and clearly still is. He sees Keeley as one of the group’s leaders.

“As a junior, his leadership skills are unbelievable,” Adams said. “He takes every rep in practice where you have to pull him out. He’s always got a smile on his face, contagious energy, and is the most positive guy we’ve got. Once he gets more vocal, he’ll be our top leader because he has everyone in this program’s respect.”

Correa was another player Adams identified as a top playmaker.

“He’s off the charts,” Adams said. “He’ll definitely be playing Saturdays next year (in college). He’s a guy that puts his head down and just plays hard every single week. He’s changed a lot this offseason. Gained 20 pounds by just squats and eating right. His athleticism is crazy, which is why he’s been playing tight end, too, this year. Just an awesome player.”

Rocklin and Del Oro played in October when the Thunder won 35-14. Del Oro’s only score came after Pinnick exited with an injury on the final drive. The touchdown was a 15-yard pass from junior quarterback Jonah Unfried to junior Jackson Malbrough.

This story was originally published November 17, 2023 at 11:42 PM.