Rocklin bounces back against Jesuit, sets up showdown with Del Oro

Rocklin didn't have much time to dwell on its loss to Monterey Trail. With the regular season winding down and playoff positioning on the line, the Thunder responded with a convincing 40-23 Sierra Foothill League triumph over Jesuit on Friday night. The win moved Rocklin to 6-3 overall and 3-2 in SFL play, setting up a high-stakes regular-season finale against Del Oro with the top seed in the Division II playoff bracket on the line. The game started out tight with Jesuit holding onto a 10-6 lead before the Thunder rallied for a 23-7 run that allowed them to take control. While the Marauders were able to battle back, Rocklin proved to be too much as it pulled away for a comfortable win. Senior running back Luke May provided the thunder in the Thunder's offensive attack, rushing for 164 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries. May averaged 8.6 yards per attempt, including a 64-yard run, and added a 13-yard reception to finish with 177 yards from scrimmage. Junior quarterback Parker Lively complemented the ground game, completing 11 of 18 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Rhys Mays added a 29-yard completion on his lone passing attempt, while also catching four passes for 67 yards and a touchdown. Lively spread the ball around, connecting with Dominic Waits for a 42-yard touchdown and finding Mays for another score. James Pease contributed two receptions for 47 yards, while Ryder Halbert added two catches for 23 yards. Cameron Taylor II also found the end zone on the ground, finishing with 55 yards on 10 carries. Defensively, Rocklin got contributions throughout the lineup. Damien Panteloglow spearheaded the Thunder defense with seven tackles and recorded an interception, while Taylor added six tackles and an interception of his own. Daveion Theophilus also finished with six tackles, and Shane Moriarty recorded five tackles and a tackle for loss. The victory provides a timely reset for Rocklin heading into its biggest game of the regular season. Del Oro awaits Friday night in a matchup that will determine the top seed in Division II. Last season the Golden Eagles won the regular season matchup before Rocklin avenged the loss in the first round of the playoffs.