Sports

49ers win first game of the season

Published

8 years ago

November 12, 2017

Santa Clara, CA – It took ten weeks for the 49ers to finally win their first game of the season. Heading into the Bye week, they can look back at their tumultuous start to the first half and say its now in the past. Loud cheers, chants, hugs and handshakes is how the 49ers will greet the second half of the season, a new start.

The 49ers removed the monkey off their back with a 31-21 victory over the New York Giants. A phenomenal performance by rookie C.J. Beathard who went 19 of 25 for 288 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. After the brutal beating he got last week, Beathard played his best game of the season.

“I’m on cloud nine right now,” said TE Garrett Celek. “This is awesome. We’re all going to celebrate and enjoy this win. It’s good to have it before a Bye week so we have two weeks to enjoy the ‘W.’”

The second half was pure domination for the 49ers who faced a team that’s worse than them. A lack lustered Giants team didn’t look like they could beat a high school team today. Both the offense and defense fell apart, Eli Manning completed 28 of 37 for 273 yards with two touchdowns and a fumble.

The 49ers offense didn’t get off to a great start but that soon changed. Carlos Hyde rushed for 28 yards on opening drive, a late hit on the running back gave them 5 extra yards. But the 49ers failed to get back in the red zone and settled for a 43-yard field goal which gave them their first lead since October 1st.

The Giants however, matched them for every score, Aldrick Rosas tied the game 3-3 with a 47-yard field goal on the next series. Then followed with another 42-yard field goal to give New York a 6-3 lead to end the first quarter. But that changed quickly when the 49ers got “hot” in the second quarter.

Beathard became the first rookie QB in franchise history to complete two touchdowns of 45-or-more yards in a single game. He’s also set the rookie franchise record for most passes attempted by a rookie QB, passing QB Tom Owen (184 watts. in 1974). Beathard went deep to Marquise Goodwin for an 83-yard touchdown making it a 10-6 game.

“They did a great job today protecting me,” Beathard said. “I feel like I barely got hit, barely even got touched.”

Goodwin’s 83-yard reception was the longest pass play since QB Colin Kaepernick to WR Brandon Lloyd for an 83-yard touchdown on October 13, 2014. That was also Beathard’s longest touchdown pass of his career. An impressive day for the rookie QB who connected with Garret Celek for a 47-yard touchdown pass right before the half ended extending their lead 17-13.

Manning made it interesting in the second when he found Evan Engram for a 9-yard touchdown. That would the last time he threw a touchdown until late in the fourth. The Giants opportunity to take the lead behind an amazing one-handed catch by Sterling Shepard.

Manning’s 18 yard pass to Shepard put them in the red zone but the 49ers defense made the necessary stops when needed and forced Rosas to kick a 34-yard field goal that went wide right. The field goal was no good.

“Well it’s tough losing,” said Manning. “You work hard every week to go out there and execute well to make plays to put your team in a situation to win and it’s not happening. Doing some good things, in the first half I thought we came out well and moved the ball well and the second half just didn’t execute well enough.”

The game had its fair share of bloops and blunders including a tipped pass intended for Matt Breida that landed in the hands of Olivier Vernon. But Beathard and the offense bounced back when he rushed for an 11-yard touchdown. Followed by Breida’s 33-yard touchdown.

The 49ers finished the day rushing 33 times for a season-high 186 yards. That’s the most yards rushed by this team since December 11, 2016 vs the New York Jets. The 49ers also punted only once today which is the first time the team had 1-or-fewer punts in a game since September 14, 2014 vs Chicago.

“I didn’t know it’d take this long, but it was special with the guys,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “I was real happy for them. Those guys have been working so hard and we just keep coming in every Monday so disappointed. By the time I see them every Wednesday, it’s like the first game of the year. To have them still out there going like that with how many we’ve lost in a row, that’s what gave us a chance to win today.”

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Poll Shows Most Oaklanders Want Oakland A’s to Stay at the Coliseum

Don't Miss

Three 49ers players ejected in loss to Cardinals

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Alameda County

Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors

Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.

Published

1 week ago

December 4, 2025

Oakland Post

Seth Curry is a point guard on the GSW team.Photo courtesy of the Golden State Warriors.

By Y’Anad Burrell

Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.

At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.

The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.

Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.

Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.

While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Barbara Lee

WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries Kick Off Season with Community Programs in Oakland

“The Golden State Valkyries are more than a team—they’re a movement,” said Oakland Interim-Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “Their touchdown in Oakland marks a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and equity in sports. This partnership reflects our city’s deep commitment to uplifting women, investing in youth, and building a community where every dream has a place to grow. We’re proud to welcome the Valkyries to The Town.”

Published

7 months ago

May 18, 2025

Oakland Post

The Valkyries came to Oakland City Hall with a “Hoopbus.” Present were (from left to right): City Councilmembers Noel Gallo, Rebecca Kaplan, Zac Unger and Rowena Brown; Oakland Mayor-elect Barbara Lee, Valkyries President Jess Smith, a Valkyries team representative and Deputy Mayor LaNiece Jones. Photo courtesy Rebecca Kaplan’s office.

Team installs new nets at playgrounds, holds flag-raisings at City Halls in Oakland and S.F.

Special to The Post

The Golden State Valkyries brought the excitement of their inaugural season to every corner of the Bay Area with a full slate of community celebrations leading up to their historic home-opener against the Los Angeles Sparks at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday.

The week featured flag-raising ceremonies at city halls in Oakland and San Francisco, three “Violet Net” installation days at Oakland parks to encourage basketball play, fun “Hoopbus” takeovers at multiple schools presented by Kaiser Permanente, and player appearances.

In total, 90 violet nets were installed on 45 basketball courts across 34 public parks throughout Oakland this week. A list of the parks receiving violet nets can be found at Valkyries.com.

About the Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA affiliate of the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, were announced as the 13th WNBA franchise on Oct. 5, 2023. According to Norse mythology, Valkyries are a host of warrior women who are fearless and unwavering – flying through air and sea alike.

This brand is Golden State’s modern interpretation of Valkyries: strong, bold, and fierce. Tipping off during the 2025 WNBA season, the team is headquartered in Oakland and will play home games at Chase Center in San Francisco. For Golden State Valkyries’ assets, including team logos, visit valkyries.com.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

McClymonds High Names School Gym for Star Graduate, Basketball Legend Bill Russell

William “Bill” Felton Russell was born on Feb. 12, 1934, and died on July 31, 2022. He achieved fame as a U.S. professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career.

Published

10 months ago

February 18, 2025

Oakland Post

Bill Russell and Brian McGhee in McClymonds High School Gym, 2011. Photo courtesy of Brian McGhee.

By Ken Epstein

West Oakland’s McClymonds High School, “the School of Champions,” this week named the school’s gymnasium in honor of one of its most famous graduates, basketball legend Bill Russell (class of ’52).

Russell is widely known as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. In 2011, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civil honor, from President Barack Obama for Russell’s contributions to basketball and the Civil Rights Movement.

The McClymonds’ naming ceremony was held on Wednesday, the same day as Russell’s birthday. Oakland leader Bill Patterson, a longtime friend of Russell’s, was scheduled to cut the ribbon at the reopening of the gym, which had been closed for several months for renovation. Russell’s daughter Karen was scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting.

Russell’s name and signature are now printed on the gymnasium floor.

Patterson was working at DeFremery Park when he met Russell. “I befriended him as a boy and during his years at University of San Francisco” said Patterson. “We stayed friends for the rest of his life.”

Said McClymonds Principal Darielle Davis, herself a McClymonds graduate, “We are excited to honor Bill Russell for his sports accolades and because he broke color barriers. He is part of our legacy, and legacy is really important at McClymonds.”

Brian McGhee, community schools manager at McClymonds and former football player at UC Berkeley, said that Russell meant a lot to him and others at the school. “He was a beacon of light and hope for West Oakland,” he said. “He did a lot for sports and for civil rights.”

Starting in 2018, Ben “Coach” Tapscott worked with Patterson and other McClymonds grads, community members, and former coaches to encourage the Oakland Board of Education to endorse the naming of the school gym, which finally happened recently.

“We worked hard to make this happen,” said Tapscott. “He’s an important part of McClymond’s history, along with a lot of other famous graduates,” he said.