Cate Rams March to Playoffs with Convincing 33-8 Win Against Thacher
November 3, 2023
Rams Ready for Playoff Redemption Against Flintridge Prep
The Cate School football team picked up its third win in a row with a 33-8 win over rival Thacher last week (10/28). The win pushes the Rams to 3-3.
Martinez ’24 and Pullen ’25 celebrate a 14-yard touchdown.
Valente ’25 drives another extra point kick through the uprights—football held by Gabbay ’25.
The game started as expected, with the two sides trading defensive stops and forcing turnovers. The end of the first quarter saw the scoreboard blank as the two sides stalemated at 0, a rarity in 8-man football. The lone first-half touchdown came when Quinn Pullen ’25 found Cody Mast ’25 from 10 yards out. The ensuing PAT from Riley Valente ’25 made it 7-0 Cate at halftime.
The offense started to find its rhythm as the Rams’ defense remained stalwart. Pullen ’25 connected with Tyler Martinez ’24 for a 14-yard touchdown in the third quarter. The Rams then dug into their back of tricks, as Pen Brooks ’24 found Jacob Gabbay ’25 for a score from 24 yards out. Going into the fourth quarter, Cate led 21-0. To start the fourth quarter fireworks, Pullen ’25 found Ethan Rhenborg ’25 on a beautiful 25-yard touchdown pass rolling to his right. After the Toads found the end zone for the first time on the afternoon, the Rams responded with the game’s final touchdown, a 13-yard scamper from Josh Butler ’26.
Captain Scurtis ’24 congratulates Mast ’25 after his 10-yard touchdown reception.
The story of the game was Cate’s defense. To shut out a physical and tough Toad side for most of the game is an impressive feather in the cap for an improving Ram defense. Johnny Foster ’25, Henry Bouma ’25, Barron Crayton ’25, Mast ’25, and Kristian its ’24 all played exceptionally well on the day. Valente ’25 and Tyler Martinez ’24 also stepped up and had big games for the Rams.
Ram’s impressive defense hold a tough Toad Offense to 8 points.
What a great end to the regular season for us. Beating your rival is always great, but to do it on a hot day on the road makes this one extra sweet. I’m so proud of this group’s improvement throughout the year. This was indeed a team effort today, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Our defense knew they would be up against a very physical and talented Thacher offense, and they answered the call tremendously.
The Rams will play their first playoff game today (11/3) at Flintridge Prep. Cate football will be looking for redemption, given their loss against Flintridge early in the season by only 2 points (44-42). It should be an exhilarating game to watch. Kickoff is at 6 pm. Go Rams!