Soquel Knights Upset San Ramon Valley with Last-Minute Drive

SOQUEL — In a thrilling nonleague football matchup, the Soquel High Knights defeated the San Ramon Valley Wolves 21-14 on September 8, 2025. The Knights, led by senior quarterback Sam Whelan, executed a game-winning drive in the final three minutes, capped off by a crucial interception that secured their victory against the No. 3 team in the North Coast Section.

Whelan’s leadership shined once again as he guided the Knights on a decisive 70-yard drive that featured key plays, including a 23-yard completion to Cash Moran on a critical 3rd-and-14 situation. The drive culminated in a 6-yard touchdown pass to Hudson Summerill, who made a clutch catch in the back of the end zone. “It’s pretty high,” Whelan said of his team’s confidence in late-game situations. “We had the same thing last week. I felt like we had a little less time last week, so in my head, the clock’s ticking a little slower than it should be.”

This victory follows a hard-fought win against Los Gatos, the No. 3 ranked team in the Central Coast Section, showcasing Soquel’s resilience and ability to overcome challenges. With this win, the Knights avenged their only two regular-season losses from the previous year.

Key Performances Highlight Team Effort

Soquel’s offense demonstrated versatility and effectiveness, finishing with over 300 yards. Running back Kelton Forbus was a standout performer, rushing for 64 yards and scoring two first-half touchdowns. His second touchdown, which tied the game at 14-14, was set up by a remarkable 87-yard kickoff return by senior Keyandre Bailey.

Whelan contributed significantly, completing 15 of 21 passes for 183 yards and adding 52 rushing yards on 15 carries. Despite being sacked five times and committing eight penalties for 65 yards, Whelan expressed optimism about the team’s potential. “Coming out with this win, especially after all those penalties, is a great thing for our program because we know how much better we can be,” he noted.

On the defensive side, the Knights showcased their strength with senior defensive end Django Daillak recording 2.5 sacks and the secondary securing three vital interceptions. The final interception by senior safety Wyatt Nichols sealed the game with just over a minute remaining. Daillak commented on the team’s focus, stating, “We just kinda took it personal and knew we had to get after it this week.”

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Soquel improved to 2-0 in the season and looks forward to their upcoming match against Carmel on September 13, 2025. Carmel enters the game as a new member of the Pacific Coast Athletic League after winning the CIF Division 5-AA State Championship last season. The Knights are eager to continue their strong start as they defend their title in the Gabilan Division.

The Wolves, ranked No. 50 out of 1,062 teams in the state by maxpreps.com, struggled to find their footing, finishing with only 53 yards rushing on 19 carries. Senior running back Cole Eichten led the Wolves’ efforts with 61 yards and a touchdown. Despite the loss, Wolves’ head coach Aaron Becker acknowledged Soquel’s performance, stating, “They made the plays tonight at the right time, and we didn’t.”

As the Knights prepare for their next challenge, they have proven they can compete against high-caliber teams, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.