It was homecoming on Sept. 19 as the Yorktown Wildcats hosted the Taft Greyhounds in a game that came down to the final seconds.
Taft struck first, using their passing attack to move downfield for a touchdown and extra point to take a 7–0 lead. Yorktown responded when Brody Metting scrambled into the end zone with 4:30 left in the first quarter, but the extra point failed, leaving the Wildcats trailing, 6–7. The Greyhounds added another touchdown on the ground with 2:05 remaining in the quarter, though Daylon Mayor blocked the extra point to keep the score 6–13.
The Wildcats drove to Taft’s seven-yard line before the second quarter began, but their push was denied on the half-yard line. Late in the half, Metting broke through again, scoring with 1:12 left. McKenzie Yanta’s kick tied the game 13–13 heading into halftime, just as the scoreboard went dark.
Yorktown’s defense opened the third quarter with big plays. Matthew Olguin picked off a pass, and moments later, Bryce Chandler stripped the ball from a Greyhound runner. Still, the Wildcats couldn’t convert those turnovers into points. Taft regained the lead 20–13 on a quarterback keeper.
Metting then connected on a long pass to Brayden Knostman, setting up a drive that ended with McKenzie Yanta finding the end zone. The Wildcats closed the gap to 19–20.
The fourth quarter brought more suspense as Yorktown threw an interception, only for David Williams to recover a fumble and give the Wildcats another chance. However, the offense stalled again. With just seconds remaining, Taft’s snap sailed into the end zone for a safety, giving Yorktown the lead, 21– 20. The Wildcats kneeled out the clock to seal the homecoming victory.
The Wildcats will be open next week.
Brody Metting scrambles down the field against Taft.
Brayden Knostman tackles an opponent.
