STOCKTON — For the second time this season, the Tokay High football team had an early lead on an opponent.
But the McNair High squad used a trick play and its passing game to kick-start a 48-14 win over the Tigers at the Eagles’ field on Friday. Tokay (0-5) concluded its preseason schedule, and opens Tri-City Athletic League action against Tracy at the Grape Bowl on Friday, Sept. 28.
On its first offensive possession in the first quarter after receiving the opening kickoff, Tokay marched down the field from its own 35-yard line that started when sophomore quarterback Jacob Varney threw to fullback Nathan Branco of 15 yards for a first down at the 50. Then seven plays later, and after Varney gained 26 yards on a quarterback keeper to move the ball to the McNair 3, Branco bulldozed his way up the middle for a 3-yard run with 9:21 left.
“I thought we did a great job,” said Tokay coach Michael Holst. “It’s as good as it can get. We had been playing in past games we’ve been playing on our heels.”