Elk Grove football is relying on its running game for playoff success
ELK GROVE, Calif. — It was a foggy night in Sacramento as Elk Grove football faced off against No. 3 Vacaville in the second round of CIF San Joaquin playoffs. Passes were overthrown, interceptions were missed. Elk Grove tallied a single completion on the night.
But somewhere, amidst the smoggy air, a playoff classic unfolded, one that saw Elk Grove running back Zeke Burnett punch in a game-winning touchdown with less than three minutes remaining. It was a statement win for a Thundering Herd squad that once languished at 0-2 back in early September.
And now, three months later and eight wins better off, a championship ring might well be in their sights.
“We all improved. We all got better. We had to,” running back Ethan Archuleta said.
Archuleta and company have turned their season around dramatically from an underwhelming start. Led by one of the section’s best ground games, as well as a sturdy defense, the Thundering Herd have become a difficult matchup capable of competing with anyone.
For Elk Grove, it starts with the backfield. It has leaned heavily on the tandem of Archuleta and his fellow senior Burnett to establish a prolific offense. The two have combined for nearly 2,800 yards and 44 touchdowns across 11 games.
And they’re different styles of players, too. Burnett, at nearly 6-feet and 190 pounds, is powerful, quick off the mark and tough to tackle in an open field. His aggressive play makes him dangerous over long distances and has carried him to a 26-touchdown season.
Archuleta, meanwhile, is shiftier and notably shorter. He’s neither as strong nor quick as Burnett, but he evades tackles, utilizes contact and possesses devastating speed in the open field – equal parts track star and meandering football player. He’s added 18 touchdowns of his own.
“That’s our 1-2 punch,” head coach John Heffernan said. “We’re going to ride that train.”
His faith in the duo has more than paid off in recent weeks. After being blown out by Jesuit, 70-35, on Oct. 16, the two have taken the offensive burden. Burnett provided two touchdowns against Vacaville while Archuleta bested him with three.
The game before, they combined for five touchdowns in a 56-6 blowout of Gregori to open the playoffs, then sat comfortably on the bench as backup running back David Hale punched in two scores.
“We had a great second half,” Heffernan said. “We’ve got the pieces to do really well.”
The Thundering Herd have been less consistent on the other side of the ball. There have been some worrying performances such as surrendering 70 points to Jesuit and letting an inconsistent Vacaville offense score 42.
Still, Elk Grove has proved they can win the shootouts and they will go as far as their duo can take them. As Archuleta emerged out of the fog, rushing into the end zone to seal another playoff victory, something else also became clear.
The Thundering Herd can compete with anyone.
“Once we link up, we’re smooth, like a machine, and when we play well, we can’t be stopped,” Burnett said.
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.
