MONTEREY — Tyler Winkles had Acalanes’ second consecutive NorCal championship in his sights as he ran around the right side of the line late Friday night.
The quarterback was mere inches from converting a two-point attempt with no time on the clock that would have given the visiting Dons a victory and a spot in next week’s Division 5-AA state title game.
Instead, Winkles hit a wall at the goal line.
Carmel’s Simeon Brown made the stop that clinched a 42-41 victory and the NorCal 5-AA championship for the Padres at Monterey Peninsula College.
Acalanes High’s Chris Copeland (44) and Acalanes High’s Jonah Rivera (20) console each other after losing their CIF NorCal Division 5-AA title football game 42-41 against Carmel High at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
Instead of Acalanes traveling to Southern California next Friday for a chance to claim a second straight state championship, undefeated Carmel will make the trip to play El Capitan-Lakeside at Fullerton UHSD Stadium.
El Capitan beat Silverado 33-19 on Friday.
Acalanes cut the deficit to 42-41 when Winkles threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Niko White as time expired. Had the Dons kicked the extra point, the game would have stretched to overtime.
Acalanes High’s Niko White (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their CIF NorCal Division 5-AA title football game against Carmel High at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Carmel High went on to win the game 42-41. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
But Acalanes chose to go for the win, putting the ball in its quarterback’s hands.
As Winkles made the turn for the goal line on a run around the right side, it looked as if the decision would pay off. But the defense was waiting for Winkles.
The quarterback was hit hard by Brown at the goal line, igniting a wild celebration by the home team as Carmel improved to 14-0.
“I saw the tailback come through and try and lead block,” Brown, a defensive back, told the Monterey Herald. “I saw the quarterback come through the gap and I just filled it. I’m just excited. We’re going to state.”
Ashton Rees’ 1-yard touchdown run with about seven minutes to play gave Carmel a 42-28 advantage.
Winkles’ 36-yard touchdown strike to Josh Elerts brought the Dons to within seven with about four minutes left. Acalanes forced a punt with 1:17 left, setting the stage for the wild finish to a wild game.
Acalanes High’s Josh Elerts (89) scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their CIF NorCal Division 5-AA title football game against Carmel High at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Carmel High went on to win the game 42-41. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
The score was tied 14-14 after the first quarter and 28-28 at halftime. Hardly surprising, given that Carmel averages 46 points while giving up 27 per game.
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Winkles threw for three touchdowns, two to White. Elerts ran for two TDs and also was on the receiving end of one.
Acalanes had won its previous eight postseason games, including three this season on its way to the North Coast Section Division III championship.
Last season, the Dons followed their section title with Division 3-AA regional and state crowns.
The magical times were inches away from continuing Friday.
Until Brown made the stop.
Carmel High football coach Golden Anderson celebrates after winning their CIF NorCal Division 5-AA title football game 42-41 against Acalanes High at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
Acalanes High during the awards ceremony after losing their CIF NorCal Division 5-AA title football game 42-41 against Carmel High at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
Acalanes High quarterback Tyler Winkles (6) throws a pass that was intercepted in the fourth quarter of their CIF NorCal Division 5-AA title football game at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
Acalanes High’s Bethel Imasuen (65) tackles Carmel High’s Ashton Rees (21) in the first quarter of their CIF NorCal Division 5-AA title football game at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
Carmel High celebrates after winning their CIF NorCal Division 5-AA title football game 42-41 against Acalanes High at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
Carmel High quarterback Hudson Rutherford (9) celebrates with teammates after winning their CIF NorCal Division 5-AA title football game 42-41 against Acalanes High at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)
