CCS Division II semifinal: How Christopher erased 17-0, second-half deficit to beat Menlo
Jaxen Robinson throws two TD passes, runs for go-ahead score as Christopher storms back to reach CCS Division II championship game
ATHERTON – Time was running out Saturday on Christopher’s season.
With less than five minutes remaining in the third quarter, the visitors from Gilroy trailed Menlo School by 17 points on a muddy field reminiscent of football’s glorious past, their gold numbers barely visible on dirt-stained white jerseys.
The Cougars were about to hand the ball back to Menlo as well, facing third-and-17 from their own 21 after a penalty was accepted rather than giving Christopher a more manageable fourth down.
Jaxen Robinson, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Christopher quarterback, dropped back to pass and threw deep to speedy receiver Amari Bluford, the playmaker who ignited the Cougars’ late rally last week against Archbishop Mitty in the first round of the Central Coast Section Division II playoffs with a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
This time, Bluford caught Robinson’s pass for a 79-yard touchdown, sparking a stunning comeback that resulted in eighth-seeded Christopher winning 21-17 and advancing to the championship game against second-seeded Soquel next week.
Fifth-seeded Menlo finished with a score of 10-2.
“Down 17-0 and coming back like that, it’s like a Cinderella story for us,” Robinson went on to say. “We worked too hard in the weight room since January and February.” It’s incredible to see all of the pieces coming together and heading to the championship next week.”
Robinson’s 24-yard pass to Evan Vernon with 6:55 remaining cut the deficit to 17-14, and the quarterback then demonstrated a few minutes later that he’s more than just a pocket passer.
With 4:52 remaining, the big guy tucked the ball under his arm and rumbled through the defense and into the clear, his 35-yard run accounting for the touchdown that put Christopher ahead 21-17.
“I am going to be completely honest, it did not feel real,” Robinson went on to say. “I saw the opening, ran and broke off a couple of tackles.”
Nothing beats a little improvisation to stretch out the season.
“We don’t like him to run because he’s a pocket passer,” said head coach Darren Yafai. “But he’s a monster.” He’s 6-5, 220 pounds, and a fantastic athlete. Every day, he bothers us. ‘Coach, let me go. Allow me to run.’ That was not even a phone call. That was all him.”
On the next Menlo possession, Bluford intercepted a tipped pass.
After Christopher returned the ball to Menlo, the home team had 63 seconds to turn a bitter taste into a memorable finish.
It was not meant to be for Menlo.
Mikey McGrath connected with Nicholas Scacco on a 16-yard crossing route to the Christopher 37. With 38.8 seconds remaining, the quarterback dashed to the line and took the next snap.
McGrath then scrambled for 7 yards to the 30 yard line and clocked the ball again, giving Menlo a fourth-and-3. McGrath attempted to keep his team’s hopes alive, but his run around left end was called back a yard short of a first down.
Christopher (11-1) knelt and began celebrating.
“We weren’t executing to the level that I know we can,” McGrath admitted. “They were the better team in the second half.”
Late in the first quarter, McGrath’s touchdown run from the 2 capped a 12-play, 77-yard drive that gave Menlo a 7-0 lead.
With 5:44 left in the third quarter, Andre Gonzalez Lombera’s 28-yard field goal increased the lead to 10-0, and McGrath’s second touchdown run from the 2 made it 17-0.
Menlo took over at the Christopher 17 after a muffed punt and scored on a short field.
Menlo appeared to be about to stop the visitors again a few moments later.
The comeback flame was lit when Robinson connected with Bluford for a long touchdown.
“That’s really where it changed,” Menlo coach Todd Smith said. “We figured out how to lose this football game.” This is uncharacteristic of us. I’m sorry for the children. They’ve worked extremely hard.”
Robinson completed 20 of 28 passes for 264 yards. Bluford had 11 receptions for 198 yards.
McGrath completed 14 of 25 passes for 243 yards. Brady Jung hauled in six passes for 109 yards.
Yafai now has at least one more game to play. The coach informed his players two weeks ago that he intends to step down at the end of the season.
Is there something magical going on?
Last week, Christopher rallied from a nine-point deficit with less than five minutes remaining to defeat top-seeded Mitty.
They have now roared back to reach the final.
“I don’t know,” Yafai responded. “I just think we have fantastic kids and a fantastic staff.” And, perhaps, a little magic. However, it is not for me. It’s these people. “I’m just a history teacher and a football coach.”
