You can’t blame anyone for missing one of the season’s greatest moments last Friday night.
The matchup of defending Division I State Bowl champion Granite Bay against a winless Nevada Union-Grass Valley team limping to the finish line of the program’s worst year (record-wise) was not going to have casual fans clamoring for a seat.
A lopsided 42-7 rout in which the Grizzlies’ starters wasted little time after the Senior Night festivities before turning things over to the back-ups. And while it was good for the reserves to get valuable playing time before the Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs, it was not going to keep those who showed up in the bleachers.
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Those who stayed for the duration, though, were fortunate enough to see a truly inspirational moment — Granite Bay senior Travis Bauer, a special education student at the school, rumbled 75 yards to the end zone before a mob of teammates, opponents, coaches, and family celebrated with him in the end zone.
“It was great…awesome,” said Nevada Union Athletic Director Steve Pilcher, reflecting on the game’s final play. “It was a cool way to end a very tough season.”
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Granite Bay will continue its season as the No. 10 seed in the SJS Div. I field to defend its section and state titles. However, the play capped a remarkable four years of dedication to the program for Bauer, who likely played his one and only snap at the varsity level.
“(Travis) is so honored just to stand out there in his uniform,” said Hayley Grant, the mother of Granite Bay’s Senior Night star. “The whole football program has been wonderful with Travis, but that was such a moment.
“To see the compassion in the boys, the coaching staff, and the parents has been amazing. He’s having the time of his life.”
Bauer, who is on the autism spectrum, struggled in the classroom as a youngster before his family knew that he would benefit from a Special Education program. He attends a Special Day Class on the Granite Bay campus before joining his second family every afternoon during the fall. Travis has never missed a practice or game since he was first introduced to flag football in middle school.
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