Encinal High School (EHS) were upset by Miramote High School (MHS) of Orinda, 42-23, on Nov. 12 at Willie Stargell Field in the first round of the North Coast Section Div. 5 playoffs. MHS, the six seed, not only ended their four-game losing streak but snapped the three seed Jets’ seven-game win streak.

“I was just happy to have such a great team all season,” said Deatherage. “This season meant a lot to everyone, and I feel like it was a win even though it was a loss.”

With the game tied at 14 the Jets looked to score to go into halftime with a lead. However, MHS defender Cooper Bohlig intercepted Jet quarterback Garrett Deatherage’s pass with five seconds left and raced 101 yards down the sideline to give the Matadors a 21-14 lead at the break.

“We just had to keep telling ourselves it wasn’t over,” said EHS center Luke Figueroa. “This whole year we’ve been a second half football team due to all the conditioning we do. I think some people got into their heads a little too much since we haven’t trailed in a game much this year.”

The Mats streched their lead to 35-21 after a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter. The Jets got some new life after sophomore Tristan Berena forced a fumble and the Matadors recovered the ball in the endzone a safety.

However, the Jets couldn’t capitalize and turned the ball over on downs on their next drive.

The Jets (9-2) earned the Mission Valley Athletic League/ West Alameda County Conference Mission League title. Deatherage threw for more than 2,000 yards and 29 touchdowns this season.

Katherine Mejia is a journalist for EHS.