Marin Catholic, San Marin Ready For State Finals

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Two Marin schools last week punched their tickets to the state football finals, and both schools will be seeking their first titles against Central Valley teams.

Marin Catholic (13-1) will make its third state finals appearance in school history. The Wildcats lost to Madison of San Diego 38-35 in the Division III finals in 2012 and to Serra of Gardena (Orange County), 24-20, in the 2009 Division III title game. Marin Catholic will host Central Valley Christian of Visalia (11-4) in the state Division 5-AA finals Saturday at 1 p.m.

San Marin (13-1) will make its first state championship game appearance in program history. The Mustangs will host Independence of Bakersfield (9-6) in the Division 5-AA finals Saturday at 6 p.m.

Marin Catholic is coming off a 21-14 first-round playoff win against Escalon on Friday.
CVC is led by junior quarterback Max Bakker, who threw for 2,417 yards and 30 touchdowns with 14 interceptions and junior receiver Jaeden Moore (52 receptions, 892 yards, 13 touchdowns).

San Marin is coming off a resounding 35-7 victory over Sutter High (Sutter County) on Friday in a first-round state playoff game in which senior running back Justin Guin rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries and junior quarterback Joey Cook was 6-for-12 passing for 121 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Independence is led by the backfield tandem of Evan Peaker (1,908 yards, 15 TD’s) and Ladon Denmark (1,127 yards, 18 TD’s).