It's all heating up in the Northern California Boys HS Premier leagues.

While Jesuit was off winning the All-California single-school title over St. John Bosco, the rest of the top teams were in action. Lamorinda built on their wins over Danville and SFGG with a 74-29 defeat of CK McClatchy. 

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Meanwhile, Danville, the defending national HS Club champion, has lost twice after being beaten 34-31 by Granite Bay. This was quite the clash. Prop Cameron Nelson thundered through some arm tackles to score four minutes it, and while Danville replied, Nelson's second regained the lead for the Grizzlies.

Photos by Dan Bandoni

This was a back-and-forth game, and Danville replied again before Granite Bay hooker Ryan Sgambati pounced on a loose ball to make it 19-12. Right on the stroke of halftime, Danville equalized. The Oaks finally took the lead four minutes into the second alf. But Granite Bay replied with tries from flanker William Hull and wing Dallas Fuller. Fuller's try came when he raced off in support of flyhalf Callum Janis, who had intercepted a pass and raced 70 meters.

That made it 31-26, but Danville scored on a pick-and-go, and once again it was tied up. With time winding down, Granite Bay pressured, and got a penalty about 35 meters out. Substitute prop Bennett Mantz, who has played  soccer almost all his life, stepped up and popped the kick over for the 34-31 win.

It was a wild one, for sure, but again shows the overall quality in this NorCal league.

The Premier 2nd division seems to be rolling Marin's way, and the Highlanders did well on Saturday, beating Pleasanton 48-31. Seniors forwards led the effort with captain and No. 8 Jackson Zebierek heading up the defensive effort and putting in a full day at the office around the breakdown. Zebierek also scored two tries. Backs captain and flyhalf Riley Silveira was an elusive runner and was strong on attack, scoring two tries and adding four conversions.