McClymonds' Redmani Albert (5) runs with the ball against the Marin Catholic in the first quarter of their 2023 CIF NorCal 3-A Regional Football Championship game at Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield, Calif., on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
KENTFIELD – A few moments after McClymonds’ desperation pass hit the turf and Marin Catholic celebrated its 35-28 victory in the NorCal 3-A title game, Michael Peters took a few minutes to stand by himself and reflect upon his 11-year career as McClymonds’ head coach.
His great coaching career, one that included four state titles and six NorCal championships, did not have a storybook ending. As he thought about his tenure at his alma mater, which began as an assistant coach in 1992, Peters said he was ready to enjoy retirement, but couldn’t help but feel like it could have been delayed by one more week..
“It’s over … my career is done,” Peters said, before he sighed and added, “I know we should’ve played better than that..”
McClymonds got rushing touchdowns from Tajir Golden (61 yards) and Redmani Albert (5 yards), and a fumble recovery for a score by Jajaun Hudson to fight back from a 21-6 halftime deficit. But each time, Marin Catholic, led by 171-yard rusher Charles Williams, had an answer. McClymonds got the ball back with 40 seconds left in the game, but the final drive fizzled out.
Two weeks ago, Peters announced he planned to step down at the end of the season. After 11 years as head coach and 32 overall at the school, the 11-time Oakland Athletic League champion was ready to retire.
He had spent his career lording over the other schools in The Town, but on Saturday afternoon, Marin Catholic was the one dictating the game and controlling the line of scrimmage.
The Wildcats jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead, with Peter Macauley throwing one touchdown to Braiden Bachich-Dixon and running for another seven-yard touchdown. On defense, the Wildcats controlled the line.
This put Mack into an unfamiliar situation.
Marin Catholic was McClymonds’ first real test in months. The Oakland Athletic League schedule had provided about as much resistance as wet paper mache, the Warriors outsourcing league opponents 307-0 and cruising to another Silver Bowl championship.
McClymonds finally created some positive momentum when one of Troy Hill’s three first-half sacks forced a fumble recovered by a teammate.
From there, Albert and Golden alternated carries, with Albert finishing the eight-play drive by running it in from two-yard out with 5:16 left in the first half to make it 14-6.
Golden led the team with 121 rushing yards, and Albert had 64.
Marin Catholic immediately answered by putting the ball in Charles Williams gut and sending him out on a sweep play. He made multiple players miss before cutting back across the grain and outrunning the rest of McClymonds’ secondary to score a 61-yard touchdown.
Marin Catholic walked into the halftime locker with a 21-6 lead, and had held the Oakland champs to nine passing and just 82 rushing yards.
Marin Catholic held on in the second half and advanced to its second state title game in three years, where the Wildcats will play either Mt. Miguel or Mayfair.
- This story will be updated –