Foothill’s Gray has big game

Fighting back tears, Foothill sophomore Ray Gray tried to put what he had just done in perspective.

One month ago, he was on the junior varsity team, doubting if he would get promoted. He finally got his shot, and Friday night, in his fourth varsity game, he carried the Falcons to their first win of the season.

"I didn't even know I was going to get moved up," he said. "They didn't think I could do this, but I'm doing it. I think I proved myself to a lot of people."

Gray ran with a purpose on all 29 of his carries and produced 145 yards and two touchdowns as visiting Foothill upset Basic, 26-21.

The Falcons (1-5, 1-2 Southeast Division) came in winless but played as if their entire season was on the line.

Gray rushed for 32 yards on the opening possession as Foothill's offensive line established its strength. Gray's 3-yard touchdown run with 4:32 left in the first quarter put the Falcons on top and they never trailed.

The Wolves (5-1, 1-1) moved the ball through the air, as senior quarterback Josh Ross passed for 267 yards and three TDs, but it turned into a struggle of finesse against power.

"We just weren't physical in this game," Basic coach Cliff Frazier said. "It just seemed like we lost that edge.

"They're not a real 0-5 team. They've got some kids who can play."

The Falcons had too many options on the ground and used them all to roll up 304 yards rushing.

Sophomore quarterback Derek Muaava directed the option flawlessly. Muaava rushed for 85 yards on 16 carries, and fullback Martell Walker pounded the ball inside for 41 yards on eight carries.

Gray's 2-yard touchdown dive on fourth-and-goal put Foothill ahead 14-7 late in the first quarter.

Chad Paradis extended the lead to 20-7 with a 16-yard run up the middle with 6:37 remaining in the first half.

After a 27-yard run by Gray, Muaava scored on a 2-yard run to give the Falcons a 26-14 lead early in the fourth quarter.

"We thought we were better up front and were able to get some good yardage on the ground and control the clock," Falcons coach Marty Redmond said.

"(Gray) is learning the offense more and more every week. He's got more confidence and he's running harder and he's going to be a good running back for us."

Foothill linebacker Rocco Rivezzo had a sack and a pass breakup to help stop Basic's last drive with just over four minutes to go.

"This is a huge rivalry for us," Redmond said. "The kids talk about this game all the time whether we want them to or not. They just go crazy when they play Basic."

Gray, trying to dry his eyes, said he predicted the end to his team's losing streak.

"We lost our first five and I said, 'No, we ain't losing to Basic.' I'm not trying to sound cocky, but I knew we weren't going to lose to Basic," he said.