Football: Tam 17, Sonoma Valley 12

The Tam High football team took a 17-0 lead into the fourth quarter on the road at Sonoma Valley Friday night, but had to hold off a late charge by the Dragons to hang on for a 17-12 win.

The Red-tailed Hawks had the deep ball working in the first half as quarterback Graeme Black connected with receiver Haynes Stephens for a 48-yard touchdown catch and run. Tam took a 14-0 lead into halftime, and Black booted an important 35-yard second half field goal that never allowed the Dragons to get within striking distance.

"We had off and on success throwing and running," said Goyer. "We ran well at times but Sonoma kept adjusting."

The tide turned dramatically in the fourth quarter. Tam gave up two deep passes for touchdowns to Steve McGunagle of 46 and 35 yards. The Dragons followed each of those quick strikes with a successful onside kick. After the second recovery, Sonoma had a legitimate shot at winning the game with three minutes remaining.

"We had good play on defense early," Tam coach Kevin Groyer said afterwards. "Hats off to the Sonoma guys, they played a great game and they are a great program."

On Sonoma's final drive, following the kick recovery, Hawks defensive linemen Nick Urban came up with a huge play, sniffing out a screen pass and negating what would have been a substantial gain. The Red-tailed Hawks followed Urban's pass deflection with a stout defensive effort and forced the Dragons to forfeit the ball on downs, essentially ending the game.

"It was a great effort," said Goyer. " We had a lot of guys playing two ways with heart."

Up Next: Tam moves to 3-0 on the season and looks ahead to a match up with MCAL heavyweight Marin Catholic.