Facing off with a much improved Sierra Timberwolves team, the Oakdale Mustangs fell 22-19 in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 title game on Saturday.

A 6 p.m. kickoff time on Nov. 30 at Lincoln High School in Stockton saw windy conditions, intermittent rain and plenty of pop-ups in the stands to help protect the crowd.

From the start, the two teams were locked in a fierce battle, each on occasion grabbing the momentum away from the other.

Sierra got on the board first, scoring on the second play of the game but Oakdale was able to answer that score and the Mustangs then built up a 19-7 lead by halftime.

That would be the end of the scoring for Oakdale, however, as Sierra chipped away, getting to within 19-14 with 7:18 to play in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, a catch by a Sierra player near the sidelines – juggled but then brought in – saw the runner hug the sideline all the way into the end zone for the go ahead touchdown with 1:13 left in the game. The Timberwolves went for two to make it a three-point lead and were successful, going up 22-19.

Oakdale had one final drive to try and get in position for the tying field goal or get into the end zone for the win. They got a pass interference call to help the drive but then were called for intentional grounding to take a few steps back. With precious little time remaining, the last pass of the game for the Mustangs was intercepted and, from there, it was one kneel down for the Timberwolves to secure the upset victory.

Look for the full story and photos in the Dec. 4 issue of The Leader.