Marin Catholic ends McClymonds season, Michael Peters’ coaching career, in dramatic NorCal 3-A title game

Marin Catholic ends Michael Peters’ coaching career in NorCal 3-A title game

KENTFIELD — A few moments after McClymonds’ desperate pass hit the turf and Marin Catholic celebrated its 35-28 victory in the NorCal 3-A title game Saturday, Michael Peters took a few moments to stand alone and reflect on his 11 years as the Warriors’ head coach.

Peters’ career, which included four state titles and six NorCal titles, did not end happily. As he reflected on his time at his alma mater, which began as an assistant coach in 1992, Peters said he was ready to enjoy retirement but felt it could have been postponed by one more week.

“It’s over… “My career is over,” Peters said, sighing. “I know we should’ve played better than that.”

McClymonds trailed 21-6 at halftime, but scored on rushing touchdowns by Tajir Golden (61 yards) and Redmani Albert (5 yards), as well as a fumble recovery by Jajaun Hudson.

But, after McClymonds (8-3) cut the lead to one possession twice in the second half, Marin Catholic (13-1) extended its lead to two touchdowns.

McClymonds regained possession with 40 seconds remaining, but the final drive fizzled.

Charles Williams led Marin Catholic in rushing with 171 yards.

Peters announced two weeks ago that he would step down at the end of the season after 32 years at the school. He won 11 Oakland Athletic League championships as head coach.

Peters spent his career ruling over the other schools in The Town, but his Warriors were unable to stop Marin Catholic.

Peter Macauley threw one touchdown to Braiden Bachich-Dixon and ran for another seven yards as the Wildcats jumped out to a 14-0 lead.

On defense, the Wildcats dominated the offensive line, giving Mack an uneasy feeling, at least in recent games. The Warriors dominated the OAL, outscoring their opponents 307-0 and cruising to another Silver Bowl title.

Saturday, McClymonds gained some traction when one of Troy Hill’s three first-half sacks forced a fumble that was recovered by a teammate. Albert and Golden then alternated carries, with Albert capping the eight-play drive with a two-yard run with 5:16 left in the first half to make it 14-6.

Golden led the team in rushing yards with 121, while Albert had 64.

Marin Catholic responded immediately by putting the ball in Williams’ gut and sending him out on a sweep play. He forced several players to miss before cutting back across the grain and outrunning the rest of McClymonds’ defense for a 61-yard touchdown.

Marin Catholic entered the halftime locker room with a 21-6 lead, having limited the Oakland champs to nine passing yards and 82 rushing yards.

Marin Catholic held on in the second half to reach its second state championship game in three years, where it will face the winner of Saturday’s late game between Mt. Miguel and Mayfair.