On October 13, the Wilcox Chargers practically shut out the Burlingame Panthers in a Friday night Peninsula Bay League game, with a final score of 41-7. 

The visiting team Chargers utilized their running game throughout the matchup, tallying 384 rushing yards from seven players. Running Back Jeiman Delos Santos, who recorded 47 yards, expressed how the team was able to run the ball effectively: “The [offensive] line. The offensive line does everything for us. We’re just in the backfield doing all we can, giving 110 percent.”

Senior Running Back Elijah Walker elevated for a season-high 141 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the night. Walker has been a crucial part of the team’s running game, averaging a total of 90 yards per game. 

Burlingame was the dominant passing team, recording 124 pass yards in comparison to the Chargers’ 16 yards. Quarterback Eddie Gill and Tight End Zach Shapiro developed a strong pass connection in the second quarter, allowing the Panthers to convert for a couple of first downs. However, the Chargers skillful defensive unit was able to recognize the Panthers’ throwing patterns, leading to two interceptions on Gill, both of which led to a Wilcox touchdown. The Chargers’ defense was able to hold their opponent scoreless until the final five minutes of the game, when the Panthers put themselves on the board with a touchdown from Running Back Cole Hardtke.

The Chargers’ special teams was also a major contributor to their large-margin lead. The Black & Gold recovered two fumbles by the Panthers off of the punt return. Senior Kicker Lopez Isias completed five out of six extra-point attempts – the one unsuccessful attempt was denied by Panthers Defensive End Liam Hroziencik. 

“[Wilcox] is an outstanding football team, they’re one of the best in the section,” voiced Burlingame Head Coach John Philpopoulos. “You’re always disappointed when you lose a game, but I’m proud of the effort and the way that we played.” The Panthers hope to use this game as a learning opportunity for their upcoming matchups, falling to the 4th spot in the league standings with a 1-2 record. 

With this victory, the Chargers extended their winning streak to three games, maintaining their spot as the 2nd seed and remaining undefeated in their new league. 

Both teams prepare for back-to-back matchups against the Los Gatos Wildcats in the following weeks, who stand at the top of the Peninsula Bay League.