Placer snaps skid, runs past Nevada Union

After dropping back-to-back games the Placer High School football team got back on track Friday night in Grass Valley, delivering one of its most productive offensive performances of the season to keep its postseason hopes on track. The Hillmen put together an offensive showcase, scoring 42 points over the first three quarters to pull away from Nevada Union 48-22. Placer improved to 7-2 overall and 2-2 in Foothill Valley League play, setting up a pivotal final stretch with a potential home playoff game within reach. Placer's offense was particularly productive after the opening quarter, when the teams traded touchdowns to head into the second tied at 7-7. The Hillmen took control in the second, finding the end zone twice to carry a 21-7 advantage into halftime. They were even more productive coming out of the break, adding three touchdowns in the third quarter to stretch the margin to 42-14. Tony Ambriz was a major catalyst, ripping off 131 yards on just four carries and finding the end zone twice. Isaiah Caminiti added two rushing touchdowns on eight carries for 74 yards, while Bobby Gregg also punched in a pair of scores on 14 carries for 84 yards. The Hillmen weren't limited to the ground game, either. Sophomore quarterback Chase Rodarte completed three of eight passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns. Joe White hauled in a 75-yard touchdown reception, while Ryan Alonso added a 16-yard touchdown catch. Nevada Union managed a pair of second-half touchdowns, including a fourth-quarter rushing score and a successful two-point conversion, but Placer had already built too wide a cushion to threaten the outcome. Defensively, Cooper Schauer led the Hillmen with 14 tackles, while Ethan Fretland added eight and Gregg contributed seven. Locke Magee-McAllister also came up with an interception. Placer wraps up the regular season Friday night at home against Roseville (4-5, 2-2 FVL).