URGENT UPDATE: The Piedmont Hills football team’s journey for a state title ended in a shocking defeat, falling 38-10 to Balboa in the NorCal regional 7-A championship game on December 9, 2023. This loss halts Piedmont’s impressive eight-game winning streak, concluding their season with a record of 10-4 under first-year head coach Kelly King Jr.
Balboa’s star running back, Mekai Smith, dominated the field, scoring three touchdowns and bringing his season total to 49. His performance included a touchdown on the very first play from scrimmage, showcasing Balboa’s offensive prowess, which has averaged 45 points per game this season.
Piedmont Hills started strong, with senior running back Alijah Torres breaking a stunning 70-yard run on their first play, only to suffer a hamstring injury immediately after. The Pirates managed a 30-yard field goal from Cash Martinez to close the gap to 6-3, but momentum quickly shifted back to Balboa.
Despite a spirited effort, including a 61-yard touchdown pass from John Palomo to Diego Arias that brought the score to 20-10 at halftime, Piedmont Hills struggled defensively against Balboa. The Buccaneers capitalized on their size and strength, forcing tough plays and taking control in the second half.
Palomo later exited the game with a head injury after taking multiple hard hits, forcing Travis Linane, a wide receiver, to step in as quarterback. Defensive players Josiah Oliver and Diego Casanova made notable plays, but the Buccaneers’ relentless offense proved too much to handle.
“They took it to us up front,” King stated. “We didn’t get it done. We’ll get in the weight room and try to duplicate our success next year.”
The loss marks a bittersweet end for Piedmont Hills, who achieved their first Central Coast Section title in 15 years earlier this season. The Pirates will regroup and aim for a stronger return next year after this tough playoff exit.
As fans reflect on this season, the focus now shifts to the off-season preparations, with hopes of building on this year’s success and returning to the championship stage in the future.
