Braves win thriller in season finale

TEHACHAPI NEWS - Many teams do not get the opportunity to end the season on a nigh note, but the Braves certainly did that in a big way last week in a thrilling 33-28 win over Bakersfield Christian.

Jesse Olofson scored three times, including recording the game-winning touchdown, while also rushing for 79 yards on 19 carries in the big win. Max Clark also had a strong night on offense, helping Tehachapi to 215 yards on the ground overall with 100 yards on nine attempts.

Tehachapi (5-6; 2-3 SSL) shell-shocked the Eagles by moving ahead to a 13-0 lead by the middle of the second quarter,  with Olofson scoring the second touchdown on a five yard rumble and Chris Rush hooking up with tight end Matt Santos on a 28 yard touchdown catch on the games first score. Rush completed four passes for 96 yards on the evening.

Bakersfield Christian looked close to coming away from the Mountain with a victory after going ahead 28-27 with less than four minutes remaining in the game, but Tehachapi wasn’t about to fold.

On the ensuing kickoff, Zach Maravigli returned the pigskin 42 yards to the BCHS 48-yard line, and Tehachapi began to methodically march down the field.

Later on in the drive, facing a fourth and goal at the two yard line, Jesse Olofson took a handoff one yard to record a first down with 1:30 to go in the game. Milking the clock, Olofson got the handoff again with 27 seconds remaining in the contest and barreled through the middle to give Tehachapi the lead.

Nick Howell secured the victory with an interception on Bakersfield Christian’s first offensive play after the kickoff, giving Tehachapi the win.

Six Braves will join the Warriors for post-season play, with the players including John Cramer, Jesse Olofson, Zach Maravigli, Nick Howell, Matt Santos, and Luke Papac.