Oakland, CA- The McClymonds Warriors (3-0) varsity football team scored 28 unanswered points to amass a 4th quarter comeback victory over the Campolindo Cougars (3-1) by a score of 41-21. This marquee matchup featured Division 2 power house Campolindo versus the 3-Time Division 4 & 5 state champion McClymonds.
Despite McClymonds scoring a touchdown on its opening drive, Campolindo controlled the tempo and pace of the first half. Quarterback Grant Harper carved out big plays in the passing game that thwarted McClymonds pass rush. Campolindo also ran the ball effectively behind linemen Elijah Klock and Jelani Bell. Campolindo entered the half leading 21-13.
McClymonds resorted to its power running game in the second half. Running back Gary Alexander provided 3 touchdowns and ultimately wore down the Campolindo defense. Once Campolindo had to focus on stopping the run, McClymonds was better suited to pass the ball.
McClymonds tied the game 21-21 with 8:51 left in the fourth quarter. Campolindo botched a punt and McClymonds ran the ball down to the 1-yard line. McClymonds Alexander punched the ball into the endzone and McClymonds took a 27-21 lead with 2:39 left in the 4th quarter. McClymonds failed on the ensuing 2-point conversion.
With Campolindo driving down the field and threatening to retake the lead, McClymonds’ defensive back Montrell Smith came up with an interception. Campolindo’s defense responded and forced McClymonds offense into a 3rd and short. With the game on the line, McClymonds Head Coach Michael Peters trusted his Sophomore Quarterback Dreyan Paul to throw a 75-yard bomb for a game sealing touchdown. McClymonds later slammed the door shut when Edward Woods provided a pick 6 interception.
After the game, Alexander said, “I didn’t score 3 touchdowns, my line did…I owed coach Peters from the penalty last week.” It is this type of culture that shows why McClymonds moniker is “Home of the Champions.”