Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 321

Kurtenbach: Another loss to Mahomes, the Chiefs leaves the 49ers with questions they don’t look capable of answering

SANTA CLARA — To be the man, you have to beat the man.

But the San Francisco 49ers have not beaten Patrick Mahomes.

And in the third quarter of Sunday’s Super Bowl rematch between the Chiefs and 49ers, as the Kansas City quarterback scampered down the sideline with his trademark, toddler-like knock-kneed gait, with not one, not two, but four 49ers defenders missing their clear-cut opportunities to bring him down as he gained 33 yards and set up Kansas City’s third touchdown of the game — the game-winner, it would turn out — it was fair for the Niners, their fans, and the world wonder:

Will they ever?

For the 49ers, it’s a question so fundamental, so consequential, that the answer can tear a team apart.

And right now, seven years of evidence points towards “No.”

“There’s no way to sugarcoat this. We got our ass kicked today,” Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan said following his team’s 28-18 home loss.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws the ball to Kansas City Chiefs’ Xavier Worthy (1) in the second quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

The Niners can’t stop Mahomes in the Super Bowl, having lost both matchups with the Chiefs in 2019 and last season. They can’t stop him in the regular season, either, having lost their previous three games, with the last two coming in blowouts at home.

He is their bogeyman, their final boss, their supreme bugaboo. And while he and his team might play in the opposite conference and only face the Niners sporadically — Sunday was the fifth matchup, regular and post-season, since Shanahan became San Francisco’s head coach — his presence and his still-unblemished record against the Niners expose a serious vulnerability in San Francisco’s already fragile psyche.

Had the Niners finally beaten Mahomes on Sunday — no matter the circumstances — they would have exited Levi’s Stadium feeling like the favorites to achieve the team’s singular goal, winning the Super Bowl. They circled this game on the schedule when it was released — it was the ultimate measuring-stick contest — and they would have been justifiably riding high with a victory.

The inverse must be true in a loss.

I won’t say the Niners’ season is over. There’s too much football to play, and too much talent remaining on this team. (Even in its hyper-injured state.)

But Sunday certainly marks the turning point for this 49ers season that has been chaotic at its best and disastrous at its all-too-frequent worst.

And in this all-or-nothing season, that represents a referendum on an era of 49ers football.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws a pass in the first quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Just as the Niners, the media, and fans will looked forward to his game for months, we will all be look back on Sunday’s result in the weeks and months to come.

Either the Niners used this latest Kansas City barbecuing as a galvanizing event — something to bring a fractured (in an all-too-literal way) team together, bringing out a yet-to-be-seen best — or it was the point of no return for this not-quite-good-enough dynasty.

Yes, the coming weeks will prove to be Shanahan’s toughest test yet. It’s one thing to build a shrewd offensive plan for a week’s game. It’s a whole other challenge to keep together a team that’s emotionally on the brink.

And make no mistake, that’s where the 49ers stand.

Because even if Shanahan and the 49ers can find a way to overcome Sunday’s loss — to turn a negative into a positive — there will always be doubt in the back of this team’s mind.

And all signs point to it being insidious.

This San Francisco squad was built to compete for titles and be satisfied with nothing less. This team is fully justified in its belief it can beat 30 of the other 31 NFL teams.

San Francisco 49ers’ Leonard Floyd (56) sacks Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) next to San Francisco 49ers’ Maliek Collins (99) in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

But no one will take care of the 49ers’ problem — their singular problem, it seems — for them. The entire football-watching planet — has every reason to believe that Kansas City will be playing for football’s ultimate prize in New Orleans in February. It’s effectively preordained with Mahomes at quarterback for the back-to-back champions, who have played in four of the last five Super Bowls.

So what belief can the Niners still harbor that this team, now 3-4 on the season and with an injury list so prolific and pointed that it’s bordering on Shakespearean, will be able to beat the Chiefs and Mahomes should they meet up again?

The Niners were keen to diminish Sunday’s loss as “only one game” in a dozen different ways.

The issue is that the loss came to a team that doesn’t just have the Niners’ number —  they have their letters and punctuation marks, too. They’re toying with them at this point, and the scoreline Sunday flattered the Niners, who were 2-for-11 on third down, threw three interceptions, and possessed the ball for ten fewer minutes than Kansas City Sunday, all while Mahomes and the impressive Kansas City defense made big play after big play when the circumstances of the game called for their best.

Mahomes’ greatness can only be appropriately described as magic. “Patrick Mahomes stuff,” Niners tight end George Kittle called it.

Football is a sport of brains and brawn — how do you beat something downright ethereal?

And how can the Niners think they’re the team to do it when their season has felt so cursed from the start?

Related ArticlesSan Francisco 49ers | What the 49ers said after losing to the Chiefs San Francisco 49ers | ‘It meant everything’: Ricky Pearsall makes NFL debut exactly 50 days after being shot San Francisco 49ers | Now we’ll see how 49ers’ Brock Purdy handles real adversity San Francisco 49ers | Travis Kelce praises SF 49ers defense,’ Patrick Mahomes talks Collins San Francisco 49ers | Photos: San Francisco 49ers lose to undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl rematch

Of course, Sunday brought about another critical, season-changing injury for San Francisco — Brandon Aiyuk left the game in the second quarter with what is believed to be a torn ACL in his right knee. Pair that with an injury to go-to-receiver Jauan Jennings and an illness that kept Deebo Samuel sidelined for most of the game, and the Niners were running out a third-team receiving crew in the second half Sunday. Such shorthandedness feels like par for the course for this team.

San Francisco 49ers staff check on San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk (11) after he was injured against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

The lack of receivers was one of the many reasons San Francisco lost, but the never-ending string of injuries hardly inspires confidence in the future.

And how does this team push forward when their confidence (and bodies) are so bruised?

Over the last few years, the Niners have delivered a series of destabilizing punches to their opponents. The Cowboys, Packers, Lions, and Eagles all curse the Niners’ name like San Francisco does the Chiefs’.

How often have I written that the Niners “broke” the opposition since the start of the 2019 campaign?

Well, the tables might have turned Sunday. And while the effects won’t be obvious immediately, when we look back on this game in a few months, we’ll know if this is true:

After six years of success all but one other NFL team would gladly take, Mahomes might have landed the blow that finally fell the once-mighty Niners.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs to avoid being sacked by San Francisco 49ers’ Nick Bosa (97) in the second quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Now we’ll see how 49ers’ Brock Purdy handles real adversity

SANTA CLARA — For more than five minutes after the 49ers lost 28-18 to the Kansas City Chiefs, coach Kyle Shanahan, in full view of a locker room full of media, was engaged a serious conversation with 49ers’ quarterback Brock Purdy.

It’s been a remarkable 34 games (including playoffs) since Purdy took over as seventh-round draft pick in 2022 for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo, eventually morphing into a highly unexpected quarterback of the future for a quarterback-centric franchise.

After conquering a serious elbow injury in Philadelphia as a rookie, Purdy had some rough games in Year 2 that included an unsightly road loss to Cleveland as well as the Christmas Night massacre against the Baltimore Ravens when he threw four interceptions.

Purdy bounced back just fine from the Ravens debacle, proving he could elevate the performance of his teammates just as well as they could elevate him into the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks.

But after a miserable Sunday afternoon in yet another loss to the Chiefs, Purdy will face his biggest tests to determine not only if he can get the 3-4 49ers back to a consistent winner, but also prove he will merit a contract extension that could put him in the $50-million-plus range.

San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy (13) heads to the sidelines after throwing an interception in the end zone against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Purdy finished 17 of 31 for 212 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. His passer rating of 36.7 was the lowest of his career, and two of the interceptions were followed by Kansas City touchdowns on long drives engineered by Patrick Mahomes.

Mahomes, his Chiefs counterpart who has already proven he can elevate a rotating supporting cast to a championship level, had a pair of interceptions of his own and a 44.4 rating on 16 of 27 passing for 154 yards and no touchdowns. Yet Mahomes made plays when it mattered, just as he did in Las Vegas in Super Bowl LVIII last Feb. 11 when the Chiefs won 25-22 in overtime.

Instead of coming up just short this time, Purdy missed by a mile. He was erratic and off-target on throws he normally makes. No doubt that was part of the postgame conversation with Shanahan.

“We were just talking about some stuff about the game and some moments throughout it, how we can do better going forward,” Purdy said.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs’ George Karlaftis (56) while running for yardage in the first quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Purdy has always deflected the good and accepted the bad, and this game was almost all bad.

“I’ve got to play better for sure, some of my throws, my decisions,” Purdy said. “My instant reaction is I’ve got to do better.”

Shanahan has been known to lose patience with quarterbacks, and Purdy’s even keel demeanor together with his penchant for processing information and delivering accurate, drive-sustaining passes have made the quarterback-coach relationship work.

The locker room conversation ended with Shanahan and Purdy exchanging a bro hug of sorts, and it’s not as if the head coach will be pondering life with Brandon Allen or Joshua Dobbs after one bad game.

“We didn’t do anything really good on offense,” Shanahan said. “I know he’d love to have all three of those picks back. Brock’s played unbelievable this year, has done some good things, but today wasn’t his day.”

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/184...

Purdy’s first interception came on first-and-10, when he never saw safety Justin Reid when looking for tight end George Kittle. The former Stanford standout Reid accepted the gift and ran it back eight yards. The 49ers were spared points after the turnover when Kalia Davis deflected a Mahomes pass at the line of scrimmage and intercepted it.

Late in the second quarter, Purdy found Kittle for 41 yards and on second-and-6 from the 29 hit Brandon Aiyuk for 14 more. Aiyuk, however, was hit by Chamarri Conner and Trent McDuffie and sustained a potential season-ending knee injury.

With Deebo Samuel already out with an illness, the 49ers were without two of their top playmakers to go along with the season-long absence of Christian McCaffery. They settled for a 24-yard Anders Carlson field goal.

The 49ers got within 14-12 when Purdy scored on a 1-yard run on a drive set up by Deommodore Lenoir’s interception and 33-yard return.

But two more interceptions were to come, with Purdy misreading a break by Ronnie Bell resulting in an interception by Chris Roland-Wallace. The Chiefs drove 79 yards for a touchdown and a 21-12 lead.

Then with third-and-goal at the Kansas City 5 and a chance to get within a field goal, Purdy, under pressure by George Karlaftis, was intercepted in the end zone by Jaden Hicks with 9:29 to play. Another Chiefs touchdown drive ensued, this one from 80 yards, and all that was left was window dressing.

San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy (13) scrambles against the Kansas City Chiefs in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Shanahan resisted the notion that Purdy wasn’t capable of elevating his play without some key weapons.

“Brock elevates himself a lot,” Shanahan said. “He had some good plays today but overall the offense didn’t do well. When you miss your best players, it makes it harder on everyone and you hope you can overcome that. Brock is very capable of doing that.”

Kittle said some mistakes made around Purdy — a poor route by himself, a drop by Aiyuk — were costly and maybe the quarterback was trying to force things to get extra momentum.

“All I know is Brock is in his third year. He’s had a couple of games he feels he didn’t play very well in,” Kittle said. “I have no concern with Brock. I think he’s going to come back and sling the hell out of the football next week.”

To Purdy, the key to getting the offense untracked is to convert a few third down plays. They were 1-for-9 while it was still a ballgame and finished 2-for-11 after getting a too-little, too-late touchdown with less than two minutes to play.

Related ArticlesSan Francisco 49ers | What the 49ers said after losing to the Chiefs San Francisco 49ers | ‘It meant everything’: Ricky Pearsall makes NFL debut exactly 50 days after being shot San Francisco 49ers | Mahomes, Kansas City might have delivered a knockout blow on the 49ers San Francisco 49ers | Travis Kelce praises SF 49ers defense,’ Patrick Mahomes talks Collins San Francisco 49ers | Photos: San Francisco 49ers lose to undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl rematch

“It’s hard to get the ball rolling when we’re not getting first downs,” Purdy said. “It starts with that. It’s on us to move the chains. Kansas City is a great defense, but we’re a great offense in our eyes and can play at a real high level. That’s on us.”

It’s also possible Purdy is pressing himself to carry the 49ers offensively with key players out instead of letting the offensive system do the work.

“All I think about is going through my reads, trusting in Kyle’s play calls and hitting the open guy,” Purdy said. “I don’t feel like I have to put on a Superman cape and do more. We have a lot of talent in my eyes. It’s on me.”

San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy (13) scores a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

 

 

 

 

 

Moses Moody, Warriors agree to contract extension

SAN FRANCISCO — Moses Moody committed to the team that has yet to commit to him on the court.

Moody, 22, agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension with the Warriors, league sources confirmed Sunday night. At roughly $13 million per year, he’ll be under team control for the next four years at below the non-taxpayer midlevel exception on an average annual basis.

ESPN was the first to report the deal, which will keep Moody under contract through the 2027-28 season.

In 181 regular season games, Moody has averaged 5.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. A career 36.2% shooter from behind the 3-point arc, Moody has looked much more confident handling the ball and creating his own shot during the preseason.

When given opportunities in the past three years, Moody has produced. He was effective in spot minutes in Golden State’s 2022 playoff series against the Mavericks and also played well in 12 postseason games in 2023. In his last 24 games played last season, he posted eight double-digit scoring games.

But Moody has frequently been the odd-man out of Steve Kerr’s rotations. He got DNPs in seven games last year, was inactive for nine more and played fewer than 15 minutes in 21 games.

Even as his role has fluctuated, Moody has never complained. Kerr and the Warriors have always raved about the wing’s professionalism and maturity. 

Moody worked on his 3-point shot — particularly quickening the release — and his ability to move efficiently this summer. The results were clear in Summer League and then in the preseason, when Moody scored the second-most points in the NBA while leading the Warriors.

“He’s playing great,” Kerr said recently. “He’s gotten so much better in so many ways. We’ve always loved his character, his work ethic. This is the most confidence he’s played with.”

Even entering this year, though, Moody’s role is uncertain. He’s one of 13 Warriors Kerr is comfortable playing, but the team only wants to play a 10-man rotation. On the wing, he’ll likely compete for bench minutes with Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II, Lindy Waters III.

Related ArticlesGolden State Warriors | Deadline approaching for contract extensions for Kuminga, Moody Golden State Warriors | The ultimate 2024-25 NBA season preview Golden State Warriors | Sources: Warriors waive Kevin Knox as roster takes shape Golden State Warriors | Warriors destroy skeleton-crew Lakers to finish preseason undefeated Golden State Warriors | Curry injury forces Warriors to cancel ‘dress rehearsal’

“We’re sitting in that coaches room every day saying: ‘How are we going to play all these guys?’ Because they all deserve to play.”

By extending Moody before Monday’s 3 p.m. deadline, it will be more difficult ffor the Warriors to package him in a trade because of the poison pill provision. His outgoing salary counts as his 2024 salary of $5.8 million, while his incoming salary counts as $11.2 million (related to his extension figure). That makes matching salaries more complicated, but not impossible.

Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. has said that the team wanted to keep both Moody and Jonathan Kuminga, who’s also eligible for a rookie contract extension. If the team doesn’t get a deal done with Kuminga, he’d become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season, giving the Warriors the opportunity to match any offer sheet he signs.

“I’d love to have them both here long-term,” Kerr said of Moody and Kuminga on Sunday afternoon. “Because they’re both great to coach and they’re both getting better and better all the time. For me as a coach, when I see my players sign contracts that are life-changing, it’s really gratifying. That’s a big part of this job, is to help these guys become the best players they can be and to be able to take care of their families. I hope we get them both done, we’ll see how it plays out.”

Travis Kelce calls 49ers defense ‘best challenge in league,’ Mahomes talks Collins hit after Super Bowl rematch

SANTA CLARA – Travis Kelce had a fairly quiet day on the Santa Clara field in Kansas City’s 28-18 victory over the 49ers. The future hall of famer had four catches for 17 yards, hardly featured in the Super Bowl rematch.

But while sitting at his locker postgame, a talkative Kelce was effusive in his praise of a 49ers defense that he has now played – and beaten – three times in the past three seasons.

“It’s the best challenge in the league,” Kelce said after his Chiefs improved to 6-0. “I love going up against the best in the league, and Fred (Warner) is definitely one of those guys and Nick Bosa is definitely one of those guys. They’ve just got a bunch of all-stars over there.”

And just like in February, the Chiefs found a way to defeat the 49ers, this time doing it in regulation.

San Francisco 49ers’ Charvarius Ward (7) breaks up a pass on a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce (87) in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Patrick Mahomes wasn’t his best through the air against that “all-star” defense, throwing for just 154 yards, two interceptions and no touchdowns.

After the second of those picks, 49ers lineman Maliek Collins appeared to strike the Chiefs quarterback in the throat.

Mahomes, who rushed for a touchdown, downplayed the sequence afterwards.

“I’m hoping that he didn’t do it intentionally, and I don’t think he intentionally tried to hit me in the throat,” Mahomes said. “He tried to push me in the chest there, and he’s taller than me. After I threw the pick, I don’t know if I was fired up about that, or that I threw my second pick and hurt our defense.”

Kelce may have deemed the 49ers defense the best in the league, but they still had familiar tendencies that the Chiefs could exploit.

Nowhere was that more apparent than it was early in the fourth quarter with the Chiefs on the one-yard line.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan talks with Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid following the Chiefs’ 28-18 win at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Andy Reid pulled out a familiar play out of his bag, a short jerk route to Mecole Hardman that saw him feint inside before zooming to the perimeter. Mahomes’ throw went wide, otherwise Hardman would’ve scored again.

“It was a similar motion but a different play,” Mahomes said. “A similar motion based off how they guard the motions.”

The Kansas City defense had to face familiar motions by the San Francisco offense, but the plays were far less threatening with Christian McCaffrey and Jajuan Jennings ruled out before the game, and then Deebo Samuel (illness) and Brandon Aiyuk (knee injury) both lost midgame.

Reid believed that, given the circumstances, that Kyle Shanahan did a solid job of getting the 49ers offense into advantageous positions.

“I wouldn’t tell you that it is a completely different offense or defense,” Reid said. “Kyle’s got a lot of guys … number 24 (Jordan Mason) was giving them a lot of healthy yards. He’s done a heck of a job with what he’s got there.”

Defensive end George Karlaftis was part of the Chiefs defense that held that shorthanded Niner offense to 2 of 11 on third down conversion attempts, and forced three Brock Purdy interceptions.

“It was awesome,” Karlaftis said about the rematch. “They were in the Super Bowl last year, they are a great team. Obviously we have a lot of respect for them. They have play makers at every level so it was great to come out here at their house and win.”

Travis Kelce called the 49ers defense “all stars” after the game (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

Photos: San Francisco 49ers lose to undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl rematch

Related ArticlesSan Francisco 49ers | What the 49ers said after losing to the Chiefs San Francisco 49ers | ‘It meant everything’: Ricky Pearsall makes NFL debut exactly 50 days after being shot San Francisco 49ers | Mahomes, Kansas City might have delivered a knockout blow on the 49ers San Francisco 49ers | Now we’ll see how 49ers’ Brock Purdy handles real adversity San Francisco 49ers | Travis Kelce praises SF 49ers defense,’ Patrick Mahomes talks Collins The San Francisco 49ers suffered a loss to Chiefs 28-18 in their Sunday Super Bowl rematch at Levi’s Stadium.

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk sustained what the 49ers believe is a season-ending knee injury in the process.

“We celebrated that (return) almost all week with him. He was going to get eased in today,” Shanahan said. “That changed a little when Deebo went out, and it changed a bunch when Aiyuk went out.”

The teams greatest bright spot came from the mere debut of rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who 50 days earlier survived a gunshot wound through his chest in a San Francisco robbery attempt. Pearsall had three catches for 21 yards.

The 49ers (3-4) host the Dallas Cowboys (3-3) next Sunday before reaching a Week 9 bye. The Chiefs improved to 6-0 this season, and coach Andy Reid improved to 22-4 coming off a regular-season bye in his career.

San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle (85) makes a catch against Kansas City Chiefs’ Justin Reid (20) in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers fans show off their homemade signs in the second quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk (44) runs against Kansas City Chiefs’ Trent McDuffie (22) in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers’ Kalia Davis (93) celebrates his interception against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall (14) is tackled after a catch by Kansas City Chiefs’ Bryan Cook (6) in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk (11) is assisted off the field after getting injured in the second quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers’ Charvarius Ward (7) breaks up a pass on a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce (87) in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers’ Fred Warner (54) heads to the locker room to change pants while playing the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)Kansas City Chiefs’ Justin Reid (20) intercepts a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle (85) in the first quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)A San Francisco 49ers fan cheers for her team against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)Kansas City Chiefs’ Justin Reid (20) is called for pass interference while guarding San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle (85) in the first quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy (13) walks off the field after throwing an interception against the Kansas City Chiefs in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers’ Jordan Mason (24) runs against Kansas City Chiefs’ Bryan Cook (6) in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers staff check on San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk (11) after he was injured against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk (44) can’t come down with a catch against Kansas City Chiefs’ Leo Chenal (54) in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle (85) leaps to catch a pass while being tackled by Kansas City Chiefs’ Christian Roland-Wallace (30) in the fourth quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 28-18. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)Kansas City Chiefs’ Jaden Hicks (21) celebrates after intercepting a touchdown pass intended for San Francisco 49ers’ Chris Conley (18) in the fourth quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 28-18. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)Kansas City Chiefs’ Kareem Hunt (29) scores a touchdown against San Francisco 49ers’ Charvarius Ward (7) in the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)San Francisco 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall (14) leaves the field after their 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

 

 

 

 

Instant analysis of 49ers’ 28-18 loss to Chiefs in Super Bowl rematch

SANTA CLARA — Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk sustained what the 49ers believe is a season-ending knee injury Sunday, compounding their sorrowful feelings after being dealt a 28-18 loss to the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.

“No way to sugarcoat that: We got our (butt) kicked today,” coach Kyle Shanahan said.

While Patrick Mahomes made timely plays against the 49ers’ defense similar to his two Super Bowl wins over them, counterpart Brock Purdy had three passes intercepted, the final of which came in the end zone with 9:29 remaining.

Purdy did produce a pair of 1-yard touchdown runs, but Mahomes had one himself as the Chiefs essentially controlled most of the game.

San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk (11) leaps to catch a pass from San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) in the first quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Purdy’s starting wide receivers, Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, didn’t last the first half to further hamstring an anemic offense against the Chiefs’ shrewd scheme and powerful linemen.

Whereas Samuel briefly played though a pregame illness, Aiyuk sustained what the 49ers fear is a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. “That’s what it looks like,” Shanahan said. “We don’t know for sure but doing the tests with the trainers, that’s what we hear.”

The 49ers (3-4) host the Dallas Cowboys (3-3) next Sunday before reaching a Week 9 bye. The Chiefs improved to 6-0 this season, and coach Andy Reid improved to 22-4 coming off a regular-season bye in his career.

The 49ers’ greatest bright spot came from the mere debut of rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who 50 days earlier survived a gunshot wound through his chest in a San Francisco robbery attempt. Pearsall had three catches for 21 yards.

“It meant everything,” Pearsall said of debuting. “Obviously with all the adversity I went through these past months, it was really good to go out there with my guys again.”

“We celebrated that (return) almost all week with him. He was going to get eased in today,” Shanahan said. “That changed a little when Deebo went out, and it changed a bunch when Aiyuk went out.”

Aiyuk got injured once hit by defensive backs Trent McDuffie and Chamarri Conner at the Chiefs’ 14-yard line, the price for making a 15-yard catch that set up an Anders Carlson field goal for a 14-6 halftime deficit.

Thus, the 49ers’ top three wide receivers were unavailable for a second-half comeback bid: Aiyuk was in the locker room needing crutches and a knee brace; Samuel was out of uniform on the sideline after halftime; and Jauan Jennings not suit up at all because of a hip injury that isn’t considered long term.

Said George Kittle: “I look in the huddle and I’m standing next to Ricky, Jake (Cowing), Chris Conley and J.P. Mason. It’s a lot different than Deebo, Jauan, Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey. So, a little different.”

Two series before Aiyuk’s injury, he dropped a third-down pass at the Chiefs’ 40-yard line, eliciting boos from the home crowd. The next series ended with a third-down overthrow toward Aiyuk. He finished with two catches on six targets for 23 yards. He’s yet to register a touchdown pass since signing a four-year, $130 million deal in late August.

Sunday’s receiver issues surfaced further in the third quarter when Purdy’s wayward pass toward Ronnie Bell got intercepted at the Chiefs’ 25-yard line by Chris Roland-Wallace. Purdy’s more damning interception came when his arm got hit by George Karlaftis (who beat right tackle Colton McKivitz) and landed in Jaden Hicks’ enemy hands in the end zone, with the 49ers down 21-12.

Both Purdy and Mahomes posted their worst passer ratings as a starter. Purdy was 17-of-31 for 212 yards and a 36.7 passer rating; he had a 30.1 mark two years ago when he attempted his first career throws in a loss to the Chiefs.

Mahomes’ 44.4 passer rating came by completing 16-of-27 passes for 154 yards with interceptions snagged by defensive tackle Kalia Davis and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir.

As Davis said, however: “He did some magic out there today, and we need to clean stuff up.”

Mahomes’ rushing ability, which converted a fourth-down keeper on their Super Bowl-winning drive eight months ago, helped the Chiefs pull away for critical points in the fourth quarter. Mahomes scored on a fourth-and-goal keeper from the 1, and he punctuated that touchdown by throwing a left shoulder into safety Malik Mustapha.

Earlier on that drive, Mahomes created a career-long 33-yard run by racing down the left sideline past linebackers Fred Warner and Dee Winters.

“They find ways to win,” Warner said. “That’s what’s great about their team. It doesn’t always have to be him making great plays. Their team won the game today.”

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs to avoid being sacked by San Francisco 49ers’ Nick Bosa (97) in the second quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Lenoir returned his interception to the 23-yard line to set the stage for a touchdown drive that ended with a 1-yard sneak by Purdy, who three snaps earlier converted on another 1-yard sneak. That had pulled the 49ers within 14-12, and rather than go for a tying 2-point conversion, replacement kicker Anders Carlson went in and missed a point-after kick off the left post.

The first-half scoring summary: Kansas City scored two touchdowns (on Kareem Hunt runs), and the 49ers scored on two field goals (by Carlson, their third kicker in as many games).

Kittle finished with a team-high 92 yards on six catches, and Cowing’s first two career catches went for 51 yards.

“You obviously want to beat a team that’s had your number since I’ve been here, but we didn’t play good enough,” said Nick Bosa, who shared a sack with Leonard Floyd, registered three hits on Mahomes, and came away with a bruised left elbow.

Now the 49ers hope to repeat what they did in 2021 and ’22: overcome a 3-4 start to make another deep playoff run.

“We’ve been through a lot of tough losses, a lot of tough season starts,” Bosa added. “But it’s all about getting into the playoffs, and you’ve got to do that by winning enough games, winning your division, and that’s where our focus is.”

Related ArticlesSan Francisco 49ers | What the 49ers said after losing to the Chiefs San Francisco 49ers | ‘It meant everything’: Ricky Pearsall makes NFL debut exactly 50 days after being shot San Francisco 49ers | Mahomes, Kansas City might have delivered a knockout blow on the 49ers San Francisco 49ers | Now we’ll see how 49ers’ Brock Purdy handles real adversity San Francisco 49ers | Travis Kelce praises SF 49ers defense,’ Patrick Mahomes talks Collins San Francisco 49ers’ Anders Carlson (41) kicks a field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)

49ers Studs and Duds: Brock Purdy’s disaster game adds insult to injuries

SANTA CLARA — Did anything go right for the 49ers on Sunday?

It sure didn’t seem like it.

In the biggest game of the season — a game loaded with pretense from the San Francisco perspective — the Niners fell flat and were roundly beaten in all three phases of the game against the defending champions.

The Niners lost 28-18. It was close for a while, but the final scoreline flattered San Francisco.

Here were the studs and duds from the contest that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

STUDS

Kalia Davis • DT

The 49ers were begging for someone, anyone, to step up at the defensive tackle position. Davis, activated this week after a preseason knee injury, did just that Sunday, making the biggest play of his NFL career in the first quarter. Davis took on a double-team but smartly put up his left hand on a Patrick Mahomes throw, batted the pass into the air, and caught it, giving the Niners the ball on their own 32-yard line. Sadly for the 49ers, it didn’t mean anything.

George Kittle • WR

The 49ers’ one, bonafide man-to-man beater at receiver, he became the No. 1 target after Deebo Samuel couldn’t play (illness) and Brandon Aiyuk injured his right knee. He finished with six catches for 92 yards.

Deommodore Lenoir • CB

It wasn’t just the interception but a steady stream of big-time plays — edge sets, run-game stops, and lockdowns in coverage. He was immense in a contest where nothing less would have been acceptable.

DUDS Related ArticlesSan Francisco 49ers | What the 49ers said after losing to the Chiefs San Francisco 49ers | ‘It meant everything’: Ricky Pearsall makes NFL debut exactly 50 days after being shot San Francisco 49ers | Mahomes, Kansas City might have delivered a knockout blow on the 49ers San Francisco 49ers | Now we’ll see how 49ers’ Brock Purdy handles real adversity San Francisco 49ers | Travis Kelce praises SF 49ers defense,’ Patrick Mahomes talks Collins

Brock Purdy • QB

It was a disaster of a game for the 49ers’ quarterback. No, he wasn’t protected. Yes, he was down his top three wide receivers. But still, three interceptions and a handful of total disconnect plays showed a flummoxed and intimidated quarterback. Worse yet, he knew what was coming — the Chiefs are very direct — but he couldn’t do anything against it.

Purdy finished 17-for-31 for 212 yards passing. He added 27 yards rushing and two touchdowns on the ground.

Many of those passing yards were in garbage time. That’s a foul stat line, but he was much, much worse than it indicates. This was arguably the worst game of Purdy’s career, and he’s had a couple of big-time duds.

Kyle Shanahan • HC

There were three highly questionable calls in this game, and while the final margin indicates different decisions wouldn’t have mattered, you never know how this game would have gone if the script was changed.

The first questionable decision was not to go for a fourth-and-1 on their own 41-yard line on the third drive of the first quarter. The Niners had not gained a first down to that point, and it was a momentum opportunity in the game. San Francisco punted, setting a tone for the rest of the game.

The second questionable decision was to run the ball on third-and-1 on the 5-yard line with 27 seconds remaining in the second quarter and no timeouts. Jordan Mason was stuffed, and the Niners had to rush out to kick a field goal. The Niners kicked the ball off to start the second half, so to concede three points in that situation was strange. It was another passive move.

Then, when the Niners had a chance to tie the game following a third-quarter touchdown, Shanahan opted to kick a point after. Kicker Anders Carlson clanked it off the left upright. What would have been the benefit of making it?

Shanahan played the game as if he had the better team. It left the 49ers playing catch-up all contest. Clearly the head coach was wrong.

De’Vondre Campbell • LB

Kansas City attacked and attacked and attacked him. And it worked every time. Whether it was on an interior run, a pass, or a jet sweep, Andy Reid put a target on No. 59 and forced Niners coaches to do what should have been done weeks ago: put him on the bench.

Dee Winters • LB

To give some credit to the 49ers’ coaching staff, Campbell’s replacement, second-year linebacker Dee Winters, was equally poor on Sunday. The Chiefs didn’t stop attacking the weak-side linebackers when Campbell exited, and Winters did little to dissuade them, overrunning coverage, failing to set edges, and missing tackles in the open field — including a failure to push out Mahomes along the sideline after the Chiefs quarterback scrambled for a big second-down conversion, and then was able to keep running because Winters over-ran him and then failed to trip him.

In all, the 49ers linebackers, Fred Warner included, were exploited Sunday. Remember when the Niners’ offense was doing that to linebackers?

Ronnie Bell • WR

I’m sure the 49ers didn’t want to play Bell but were left with no choice but to put him on the field following injuries; he validated those beliefs.

Bell didn’t get two hands to drop on a game-changing pass like in Los Angeles, but he did run the wrong route, and Purdy threw it to where he should have been — directly to safety Chris Ronald-Wallace, who must have felt like the luckiest player on earth as the ball floated towards him. Kansas City drove 71 yards the other way to take a 21-12 fourth-quarter lead.

 

Horoscopes Oct. 20, 2024: Snoop Dogg, positivity will lead to personal gain and growth

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Alona Tal, 41; John Krasinski, 45; Snoop Dogg, 53; Viggo Mortensen, 66.

Happy Birthday: A personal change will give you the boost you need to get back on track.

Refuse to let anger and negativity get in your way. You have plenty to gain this year if you can forgive, forget and march onward and upward. Positivity will lead to personal gain and growth. A change will jump-start your ambition and propel you in a direction that offers enthusiasm and opportunity to excel. Your numbers are 3, 10, 17, 28, 32, 39, 44.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Expand your mind, converse with experts and fact-check before implementing suggestions. A healthy outlook and lifestyle change will encourage you to take better care of yourself through fitness and diet. Put your best foot forward and live up to your expectations. Love and romance are favored. 4 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Adjust your lifestyle to encourage better results. Use your imagination, and you’ll discover an activity you enjoy doing that promotes better health and well-being. A work or domestic situation requires attention and tweaking. Easing stress is essential to your mental health and building self-confidence. Do what’s best for you. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Keep everything simple and moving forward. Refuse to let your mind overanalyze situations or cause problems that can influence your reputation or productivity. Trust your instincts, make positive choices that impact your life and avoid spending time with negative people who criticize you and everything you do. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put your time, effort and energy into research, discovering what’s available and using your skills to get ahead. Open a dialogue with like-minded people, and you’ll receive information that offers a unique perspective on your options. With confidence and determination, you can influence future endeavors. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Participate in events offering insight and options, and connect with people who can shed light on new possibilities. The more you know, the easier it will be to map out a positive path. Listen, think for yourself and pursue the direction that gives you space to grow. 4 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Keep an eye on anyone trying to tempt you with things you know aren’t in your best interest. Too much of anything will lead to trouble. A minimalist attitude will encourage you to declutter and clean up your act and routine to make room for a healthy lifestyle. 2 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You can rise to the top if you use your creative imagination and seek opportunities to engage in conversations with influential people. Networking functions or participating in something that moves you will lead to interesting and unexpected alternatives, growth and financial gain. A chance meeting looks promising. 5 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): An open mind will result in the discovery of information that promotes positive change. Let your creative imagination lead the way. Make changes to your surroundings that inspire you to put your energy into something you find motivating and that encourages you to elevate your skills to a higher level. 3 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Pay attention to how you look and feel. A makeover will encourage you to adjust to a happier, healthier routine. Distance yourself from negativity and people who discourage you from being and doing your best. Channel your energy into whatever brings the highest return. Make self-love a priority. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Set high standards and goals. Don’t rely on others or put your needs aside for the sake of someone who doesn’t do the same for you. Equality is necessary if you expect a partnership to work. Encourage loved ones to help, and strive to achieve shared results. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Life, liberty and love will get you where you want to go. Refrain from letting the changes others make deter you from taking the path that suits you best. A change in direction will allow you to use the skills you enjoy most both frequently and successfully. 5 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Refuse to let anyone stand between you and your happiness. Put your time and energy where it brings the highest return and encourages you to look and feel your best. Learn from experience, and don’t back down or give in to someone trying to monopolize your time. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are outgoing, charming and articulate. You are motivated and competitive.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters. 

Local football standings: Pacific Coast Athletic League

Pacific Coast Athletic League

Gabilan Division

Salinas (6-1), 4-0

Soquel (5-2), 4-0

Monterey (4-3), 3-1

Hollister (4-3), 1-2

Aptos (4-3), 1-2

Alvarez (2-5), 0-3

Palma (3-4), 0-3

Thursday’s game

Soquel 35, Alvarez 7

Friday’s games

Monterey 25, Hollister 22

Salinas 56, Aptos 7

Bye: Palma

Mission Division North

North County (5-2), 3-0

Alisal (3-4), 2-1

St. Francis (5-2), 2-1

Monte Vista (3-4), 2-2

Scotts Valley (3-5), 1-2

Seaside (1-6), 1-3

Watsonville (3-5), 1-3

Friday’s games

North County 32, Seaside 14

Alisal 33, St. Francis 27

Saturday’s game

Scotts Valley 48, Watsonville 14

Bye: Monte Vista.

Mission Division South

North Salinas (6-2), 4-0

Carmel (7-0), 3-0

Soledad (4-3), 2-1

Pacific Grove (5-3), 2-2

King City (3-5), 1-3

Greenfield (2-5), 0-3

Rancho San Juan (0-7), 0-3

Friday’s games

Carmel 41, Rancho San Juan 13

North Salinas 27, King City 0

Soledad 41, Pacific Grove 21

Bye: Greenfield

Santa Lucia Division

Stevenson (5-2), 4-0

San Lorenzo Valley (7-0), 3-0

Pajaro Valley (4-4), 3-1

Gonzales (3-4), 1-2

Santa Cruz (1-7), 1-3

Marina (1-6), 0-3

Harbor (1-5), 0-3

Friday’s game

Santa Cruz 57 Marina 49

Saturday’s games

Stevenson 37, Pajaro Valley 7

San Lorenzo Valley 22, Gonzales 8

Bye: Harbor

Saturday High School football: Stevenson runs winning streak to four in beating Pajaro

PEBBLE BEACH — When you’re riding a wave of emotion and a four-game winning streak, having a bye before your biggest game of the year could create concerns about the potential of it being a momentum disruption.

Yet, with this being family week at Stevenson — essentially its version of a fall break, there are already plenty of distractions in and around campus.

“I think the bye week lands at a perfect time,” Stevenson coach Kyle Cassamas said. “This gives the kids a little more time to spend with their families. And it gives us a chance to hit the refresh button.”

The Pirates are playing some of their best football, improving to 4-0 in the Santa Lucia Division after Saturday’s 37-7 decision over Pajaro Valley.

“Today was the first day where we put it all together from the opening kickoff,” Cassamas said. “We cut our penalties in half. We were flying on all cylinders in all three phases of the game.”

Cassamas looked at Saturday’s game as the perfect tune-up for 7-0 San Lorenzo Valley in two weeks as Pajaro Valley came into the game undefeated in the Santa Lucia Division.

“We just knew on film Pajaro showed a lot of run,” Cassamas said. “We hadn’t played a team that was a dominate running force. We prepared for that. We were focused on defense.”

The offense, which came into the game having produced 55 or more points in two of its last three games, jumped out to a 21-point first half lead behind quarterback Fin Mink and tailback Tono Borgamini.

Mink threw for 186 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for a touchdown, while Borgamini rushed for a season high 145 yards and three touchdowns. Caden Olson also caught nine passes for 100 yards a score.

“We’ll use the extra week to get some guys healthy,” said Cassamas, who led Stevenson to the programs first league title in 21 years in 2022.

The Pirates (5-2 overall) have either won or finished second in the Santa Lucia Division five straight years.

Chasing its first winning season since gong 6-4 in 2007, the Grizzlies (4-4) are coached by former Salinas and MPC linebacker Casey Neligh.

Tommy Dayton put together another double-digit game in tackles for the Pirates with 14, while Reggie Bell recorded an interception, while rushing for 90 yards. Derek Diniz tallied seven tackles and added 71 receiving yards.

San Lorenzo Valley 22, Gonzales 8: Less than 12 minutes from perhaps one of the biggest upsets of the fall, the Spartans did not convert a fourth down inside their own 30-yard line.

Moments later San Lorenzo Valley was in the end zone, erasing a one-point fourth quarter deficit, scoring the game’s last 15 points to remain undefeated on the season at 7-0.

“My offensive coordinators believed in our guys,” said Gonzales coach Eddy Ramirez, in the decision to go for the first down. “We felt we could make a good play. We felt we could get two yards. If I had to do it again, I would. But it did give them momentum.”

For Gonzales (3-4), this was its playoff game, as a win would have kept them in title contention with three games left. Instead, it sits two back, with the emphasis now on chasing its first winning season since 2019.

“What I told the guys is what defines us is how we react,” Ramirez said. “This loss will sting. Lets make sure we play with Spartan pride. That’s what I care about. Pick each other up and play with respect.”

Having improved in the win column in each of Ramirez’s first three seasons, the Spartans can make it four straight if they can finish the season by winning their last three games.

The Cougars, one of just two teams in the Pacific Coast Athletic League still undefeated, have won nine straight games dating back to last season.

“We brought energy, they brought energy,” Ramirez said. “That’s (SLV) a good strong team. It’s the best SLV team I have seen in a while.”

Without the use of its stadium, which is being renovated, Gonzales has had to find places for their home games, as this game was moved to Alisal High.

Trailing by a touchdown, the Spartans got into the end zone late in the third quarter when Ely Cisneros capped a drive with a 1-yard run into the end zone.

Rather than go for the tie, Gonzales — who doesn’t have any goal posts on its practice site to work on extra points — chose to go for two, where Cisneros converted on a run to take a one-point lead into the fourth quarter.

For the first time all season, San Lorenzo Valley found itself trailing in the fourth quarter. The deficit was brief as a turnover in downs resulted in a quick score to recapture the lead. The Cougars added a touchdown with under three minutes to take command.

“We did a mental reset in the fourth quarter,” Ramirez said. “We made sure everyone understood the moment. We came out with a lot of energy in the fourth. We were tired, but not gassed. This group is resilient. We’re tired now.”

Priory 50, Trinity 14: The Warriors limped into their meeting with 8-man football power Priory of Portola Valley with just 12 healthy players and left even more battered after losing quarterback Daniel Dirkes early in the game to an injury.

As a result, the offense sputtered, finishing with 10 players in succumbing the Priory — who suited up 44 players — owners of 20 straight league games dating back to 2019.

The Panthers have won their last three Pacific Coast League titles, improving to 5-2 overall on the season. Trinity fell to 2-4 overall, which is two more wins on the field than it achieved the previous two seasons.

Brady Ramones accounted for both touchdowns for the Warriors, rushing for one and connecting with Eli Robertson on the other. Trinity will host Anzar next Saturday at Pacific Grove High.