Last year’s Little Big Game was tense until the final whistle. This year’s was a romp for the Bearcats on Burlingame’s home field. San Mateo dominated in all phases of the game to retain The Paw with a convincing 35-10 victory over their old rivals in the 97th annual matchup. Last year, San Mateo ended their 13-year losing streak, and this year they beat Burlingame on their home turf for the first time since 1996.
With a 10am kickoff by Fitzgerald, the game began. The first quarter was slow for both the Panthers and the Bearcats, ending 3-0 for the Panthers off a field goal. However, the second quarter sped up, bringing action with a 42-yard touchdown run to the right side by Coudsi.
Following Coudsi’s impressive run, Palma drove the ball up the field, leading to a 4-yard touchdown by Fitzgerald. The first half ended with a score of 3-14, Bearcats.
The third quarter only led to a greater divide between the two teams, with Fitzgerald scoring a 10-yard touchdown with 4:35 left on the clock. This divide solidified the largest lead over the Panthers since 2003 for the Bearcats, a huge accomplishment for San Mateo.
To finish the third quarter, Fitzgerald ran in a 52-yard touchdown making it 3-28 with 14 seconds left in the third quarter. The Panthers were able to bring in a touchdown in the 4th quarter bringing it to 10-28 with 9:21 left.
This did not deter the Bearcats, as Palma ran in a 7-yard touchdown, solidifying the win for the Bearcats. With 6:30 left on the clock the score was 10-35, and it stayed that way to the very end.
Another outstanding victory for the Bearcats, The Paw continues to stay safe with San Mateo. The same intensity, drive, and hard work will be brought next year when the two teams face off at San Mateo’s home field.