Dec
10

Milpitas downs Campolindo to reach CIF 4-A final

December 10, 2017

MORAGA, CA – Going into Saturday night’s regional bowl contest against Campolindo, Milpitas had suffered losses in three CCS championships and two CIF Northern Regional games the past three years, including a 27-24 loss to the Cougars in 2015. In Saturday’s 4-A North Regional bowl game, the Trojans finally cleared the hurdle with a strong night from Milpitas siblings Tariq and Tyree Bracy for the 52-38 win over host Campolindo.

“We play as a team and the kids buy into that,” said Milpitas coach Kelly King. “This is big, not having gotten it done two years ago.”

The Trojans took a 30-28 lead into halftime on a 28-yard field goal by Mariano Robles as time expired. Milpitas never looked back when Tariq Bracy scored from the 10 on the Trojans’ first possession of the second half. Bracy led the way for the Trojans with 36 carries for 310 yards and four touchdowns.

“You always have to stay confident, that’s the thing,” Bracy said. “We had to come in like we want this.”

The Cougars had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter after Ian Concepcion picked off a Milpitas pass. But Shun Ishida fumbled on the Milpitas 30-yard line and Noah Rodriguez picked up the ball and returned it into Cougar territory. Bracy ran for his fourth touchdown of the night with 7:47 left.

Milpitas (13-1) struck first as Bracy carried three times on their opening drive, including a 21-yard touchdown run. Campolindo answered back with an 80-yard drive, taking a one-point lead on a 19-yard pass from Torchio to Ishida. Those two scores set the tone for a thrilling first half. Torchio threw for 350 yards and four touchdowns, while also getting 111 yards and a score on the ground.

Tyree Bracy connected with Tuni Faletau Fifita for two touchdown passes of 30 and 28 yards, and PJ Vai for a 20-yard touchdown pass for Milpitas. Torchio scored on a 59-yard keeper and threw two touchdown passes to Parker Windatt. After a procedure penalty called back what appeared to be the go-ahead touchdown from Bracy, Robles kicked a 23-yard field goal that was removed from the board by another Milpitas penalty. Five yards back, Robles kicked the go-ahead field goal from 28-yards out.

The Cougars struggled to stop Bracy, despite a huge defensive effort by Tyler Darr and Torchio.

“Our kids fought hard,” Campolindo coach Kevin Macy said. “Milpitas played good. They made plays all night, they made big plays.”

Campolindo ends its season as NCS Division II Champions. Milpitas advances to the CIF 4-A state bowl game as they travel to Southwest-El Centro (14-0) next Saturday at 6:00 PM.

“Losing two straight NorCal games and three straight section championships,” said Bracy. “This feels great, finally getting over the hump.”

Scoring Info

Milpitas-Bracy 21 Run (pass failed)

Campo-Ishida 19 Pass from Torchio (Ortman kick)

Milpitas-Faletau-Fifita 30 Pass from Bracy (Robles kick)

Campo-Torchio 59 Run (Ortman kick)

Milpitas-Vai 20 Pass from Bracy (Robles kick)

Campo-Windatt 10 Pass from Torchio (Ortman kick)

Milpitas-Faletau-Fifita 28 Pass from Bracy (Robles kick)

Campo-Windatt 11 Pass from Torchio (Ortman kick)

Milpitas-Robles 27 FG

Milpitas-Bracy 11 Run (Robles kick)

Campo-Ortman 36 FG

Milpitas-Bracy 6 Run (Robles kick)

Campo-Windatt 21 Pass from Torchio (Ortman kick)

Milpitas-Bracy 19 Run (Bracy run)