Northern Section: Chico outlasts Shasta 14-7 in Division 2 quarterfinal

CHICO, Calif. — For a second time in three weeks Chico and Shasta-Redding faced off, but Thursday night there was more than a regular season win on the line. 

The No. 4 seed Panthers and No. 5 seed Wolves faced off in the Northern Section Division 2 quarterfinals.

Chico led 14-7 at halftime and that would be all the scoring for either team, as the Panthers hung for the victory on a cold Thursday night.

The Panthers (5-6) scored halfway through the first quarter after stopping Shasta (3-8) deep into Panther territory on fourth down on the Wolves’ first drive. 

The game looked to be controlled by the offenses marching their way down the field. However after exchanging scores in the second quarter it was the defenses that shined in the second half.

Shasta had multiple opportunities to kick close field goals, but opted to leave its offense on the field and turned the ball over on downs several times. 

Shasta’s offense had first down and goal on the Chico 3 early in the fourth quarter, after a penalty called on the Panthers for roughing the passer. 

Two false start calls on the Wolves moved them back to the 25 and Chico’s defense got the stop on fourth down and got the ball back.

After a three-and-out by Chico’s offense, Shasta got the ball back to midfield. 

Two sacks by Chico and a 20-yard holding penalty left the Wolves with first down and 50 yards for a first down deep into their own territory with under a minute to play, and they were unable to convert.

When asked about what made the difference in tonight’s win, running back Dion Coleman said, “I think our will to keep on playing and keep on pushing. We knew this game was going to come down to who wanted it more and our defense really stood out for us today… Our defense totally laid it on the line for us today so we’re definitely going to be showing them some love.”
Takeaways

• Chico quarterback Azari Cruz has been key in the chemistry the Panthers have developed, which was missing early in the season.
• With much of the attention on the running back Coleman, Cruz and receivers Carlos Zepeda, Troy Sommer and the tight end Newberry provide a balanced offense for a Chico team that was very run heavy in 2021.
• Coleman is back and playing in his first playoffs after injuring his knee halfway through the 2021 season. He has seven TDs in six games back, despite being limited in his first two. Chico’s offense gets a big spark with Coleman’s speed and agility in the backfield.
• Chico’s defense limited its opposition to one score for the second straight week. They get another tough test next week against a powerful Foothill-Palo Cedro offense. 
• Chico’s defense started at the defensive line with sophomore linebacker Ryker James, defensive end Adon Newberry, and tackles Gio Phenor and Fabian Ibarra. Newberry and Ibarra got sacks in the final minute of the game as Shasta looked to tie the game, and Phenor nearly had a safety in the final minute.
• James, who’s brother Gage James was the Panthers’ QB last season, has provided stability for a young linebacker group for the Panthers. James had several key sacks.
• The Panthers continued to struggle with penalties, something that has hurt them all season. Some have come at key times, so if they are able to advance they must find a way to play disciplined.
• Shasta quarterback Campbell Parker and running back Braxton Fleming were on the same page all night, but with both players being seniors it will be interesting to see how the Wolves will fill those voids next season.

Scoring plays

• Q1, 5:30 | C — Azari Cruz 54-yard pass to Adon Newberry, PAT good. CHS 7, SHS 7
• Q2, 10:51 | S — Campbell Parker 51-yard pass to Braxton Fleming, PAT good. CHS 7, SHS 7
• Q2, 5:21 | C — Dion Coleman 23-yard rush, PAT good. CHS 14, SHS 7

Up next: No. 4 Chico at No. 1 Foothill-Palo Cedro, 7 p.m., Nov. 18.