The Bulldogs traveled to Serrano High School in the high desert to start the CIF playoffs. The CIF inexperienced Hemet team found the weather different than what they had expected. With the temperature around 40 degrees and a 10-15 mph wind, the passing game proved difficult and the running game was even tougher.
After a first three and out, the Diamondbacks used their speed and big offensive line to make holes for the backs to get through and chew up big yardage. Serrano scored first with seven minutes in the first quarter.
Hemet played hard all game but it was just not to be as the bigger and more physical Diamondback continued to pound the ball, scoring again with just under two minutes to go in the first quarter, Serrano up 14-0.
As the night progressed, the Hemet offense did not produce any long drives or produce any points. The defense had some bright moments as Remeo Salvador picked up two interceptions, which gave some hope to the team and the tremendous fans.
The fans and cheerleaders, who took a rooter bus, and those who drove up found the temperature pretty chilly but their spirit remained high, encouraging the guys to leave it all out on the field. This was easy to cheer on the team, especially from under the blankets, hats, gloves and heavy jackets in the stands.
The finals score was 45-6 and ended Hemet's playoff run. Quarterback Justice Judge ran in from 18 yards out at the end of the game. This was one of the only touchdowns scored agains the Diamondbacks this season.
This season marked a won/loss of 5-6 (including this game) and was successful on many levels. We beat West Valley in a tremendous game, 42-41, beat San Jacinto in an epic game after trailing by 10 with just over a minute to go (41-37) and won back the Victory Bell and made the CIF playoffs for the first time in seven years. This season we won more games than in the past four years combined. With that, there is nothing to hang our heads about, we came and we did what we could. We are always proud of our teams, and always proud to be a Bulldog.
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Tonight come out and support our defending CIF Champion Girls Volleyball team as they take on Shadow Hills in the Ted Smith Gymnasium on the campus of Hemet High. Game time is at 7:00 p.m.